Ex-WWE star makes bold statement about Randy Orton's legacy (Exclusive)
Randy Orton has been one of WWE's most decorated superstars since debuting on the main roster in 2002. Former WWE talent EC3 is a big fan of The Viper's work and believes he is worthy of being talked about as one of wrestling's all-time greats.
WWE analysts and fans often debate which wrestlers deserve to be in the conversation as the greatest of all time. Andre the Giant, Bret Hart, Bruno Sammartino, Hulk Hogan, John Cena, Ric Flair, The Rock, Steve Austin, and The Undertaker are usually among people's picks.
On Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Outlaws, EC3 told host Dr. Chris Featherstone and former WWE writer Vince Russo why Randy Orton belongs among those names:
"Obviously Randy has all the credentials in the world and he's a hunk and I love him to death, and he's, I think, one of the top five GOATs of all time, but it took him a while to become a leader as well. Now he's pretty much the veteran. He has the longest tenure, the most accolades, but I don't think he came into that role [locker room leader] until later on." [6:20 – 6:43]
Watch the video above to hear the panel discuss whether Bayley's promo ability should prevent her from being viewed as a locker room leader.
EC3's view on Randy Orton as a locker room leader
John Cena and The Undertaker were considered WWE locker room leaders during their full-time in-ring careers. In a recent interview with Jazzy's World TV, Cody Rhodes said the honor now belongs to Bayley and Randy Orton.
EC3 was not surprised to hear Orton is well-respected backstage by his peers. He also praised Rhodes for giving the 14-time World Champion and Bayley credit for helping others behind the scenes:
"Before, you kind of mentioned 'Takers or the Cenas were the leaders, so it's cool to see Randy because he's so well-respected and beloved and cool to talk to, and I mentioned an awesome wrestler and a total hunk," EC3 continued. "But I think it's cool for Cody, as the champion, who, in theory, as a champion you're a leader too, can let the people behind the scenes a little bit and give these accolades to the people that can't really claim them for themselves." [6:44 – 7:11]
In the same episode, Vince Russo said a recent WWE match highlighted why he thinks Bianca Belair is "not a great worker."
Do you think Randy Orton is one of the top five GOATs in wrestling? Hit the discuss button and let us know.
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