WWE Hall of Famer names Randy Orton's best opponents (Exclusive)
Teddy Long recently gave his thoughts on which WWE Superstars had the best in-ring chemistry with Randy Orton.
Long performed in various on-screen WWE roles throughout the 2000s, including SmackDown General Manager. During that time, he witnessed Orton's rise from a relatively unknown rookie to a prominent main-eventer.
The 75-year-old appeared on Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine alongside Bill Apter and Mac Davis. Discussing wrestlers who shared the ring with Orton, two names came to mind:
"Man, I don't know, so many guys worked with Randy," Long said. "I thought him and Triple H had some real great matches. JBL worked with him real good. Everybody that stepped into the ring with Randy, you knew you were getting into the ring with talent. I mean, with a great guy. Like I said, everybody that stepped into the ring [with Orton], they've also been good too." [3:51 – 4:17]
Orton battled Triple H dozens of times following the demise of the legendary Evolution faction. The Viper also teamed up with fellow villain John Bradshaw Layfield (JBL) on many occasions in the mid-to-late 2000s.
On further reflection, Long added that Orton gelled well with his former tag team partner Edge:
"Him and Edge had some great matches too. That was another one there too." [5:00 – 5:05]
Watch the video above to hear a discussion about Randy Orton's current status and possible WWE roles moving forward.
What does the future hold for Randy Orton?
The 14-time world champion last competed in a match on May 20, 2022, when he and Matt Riddle lost to The Usos on SmackDown.
On this day, 1 year ago, The Usos defeated #RandyOrton & #Riddle to win the the #WWERaw Tag Team titles & become the Undisputed Tag Team Champions.
#WWE #Usos #SmackDown https://t.co/FjM4yekXFB
Randy Orton's father, WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton Jr., recently spoke to Sportskeeda Wrestling Senior Editor Bill Apter about his son. He disclosed the bad news that doctors have told the WWE veteran to stop wrestling due to a back injury:
"He's training, so we'll see what happens; I don't know," Bob Orton Jr. said. "If he feels like he's ready to go back, I think he might, but again he's pretty well taken care of. I don't think he need [sic] to. And I think the doctors have told him not to. But Randy will do what Randy wants to do."
If Orton cannot return to the ring, Bill Apter believes a non-wrestling role might suit the former RAW Tag Team Champion.
Which WWE Superstar do you think is Randy Orton's best opponent? Let us know in the comments section below.
Please credit Sportskeeda's The Wrestling Time Machine and embed the video if you use the first set of quotes from this article.