Summary

Randy Orton believes one of the strongest stretches of his career came during WWE's pandemic-era empty arena period, even if fans still point first to his 2009 heel run when they talk about the best version of The Viper.

Speaking during WrestleMania week, Orton said he takes pride in the work he did while WWE was operating during COVID, when he was regularly featured and leaned fully into the villain side of his character. His comments came as Orton continues to look ahead to what he wants his 2026 run to become.

Orton's name has stayed in the conversation around WWE this week, including Sol Ruca naming him as one of her dream opponents on the main roster.

Quote from Randy Orton

"People talk about the 09' Randy Orton and I get where they're coming from with that. I remember during COVID, I've heard a few of the guys say, 'Oh, I held it down during COVID.' During COVID, I was every show, I was champ. I think I punted more people in the head during COVID, there's like a list of like five guys that I kicked in the face and then they want to the other team. I did a lot of cool shit during COVID. I was a bad guy through and through, I was The Viper. 09, half of you guys weren't even born then. I think 2020 or 21, whatever year that was, I enjoy that version of The Viper. But, we're just getting started in 26 so the idea would be for 2026 to be the version of The Viper that everybody wants to see."

Randy Orton's 2026 direction

Randy Orton framing 2026 that way suggests he is not looking at this stretch as a nostalgia lap, but as another chance to redefine his WWE character at the top level. The immediate takeaway is that Orton still sees value in the darker, more ruthless version of The Viper, and that could shape how WWE presents him coming out of WrestleMania season.

His comments also line up with a veteran star who still wants fresh ground rather than just a greatest-hits run. If WWE leans into that edge again, Orton's next major program could feel less like a legacy appearance and more like another serious chapter in his main event story.

Sources

Randy Orton while speaking with The Schmo