WWE History: When Randy Orton broke character to console kids at ringside
The backstory
It was the time when both the shows had commissioners and general managers. Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley were heading Monday Night Raw while Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan were managing things at SmackDown Live.
In November 2016, the stage was set for the traditional WWE Survivor Series men’s elimination match. It was a 5-on-5 match, and Team Raw was pitted against Team SmackDown.
Team Raw had Kevin Owens, Roman Reigns, Chris Jericho, Seth Rollins and Braun Strawman in their corner. Shane McMahon was leading Team SmackDown Live that also featured AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose, Bray Wyatt and Randy Orton.
The incident
The match was an intense one, and one moment left everyone stunned. Shane McMahon was attempting a coast-to-coast dropkick on Roman Reigns when he was hit with a spear in mid-air by the Big Dog.
Shane hit the mat hard and seemed to have suffered a concussion. While he was supposed to be pinned by Reigns, he lifted his shoulders and broke the count. His kids and wife were at ringside for the match and were all tensed after the move.
Randy Orton breaks character
Randy Orton, who was a top heel at that time, saw the fear in the eyes on Shane McMahon's kids and his wife and straight away went to them. The family was sitting at ringside and were all worried as Shane was clearly in need of some help inside the ring.
Orton was seen comforting the kids and talking to them continuously as Shane was helped back to his feet. The Viper, while speaking to CBS Sports, revealed what he told the kids:
“I told them their dad was a champ and he was a tough dude, and he’s fine, and it’s just part of what we’re doing right now, kids. Don’t worry about it. And they smiled and the wife was happy, and everything was cool.”
The aftermath
Randy Orton completed the match as a 'survivor' along with Bray Wyatt to win it for SmackDown Live. Shane McMahon was back in the ring in no time, and WWE never revealed what exactly happened to him.