Randal "Randy" Keith Orton (born on April 1, 1980)
is an
American professional wrestler currently signed to
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) wrestling on its
Raw brand. Orton is a
third-generation professional wrestler; his grandfather
Bob Orton, Sr., father
"Cowboy" Bob Orton, as well as his uncle
Barry O, all competed in the professional wrestling industry.
Before being promoted to the main WWE roster, Orton trained in and wrestled for Mid-Missouri Wrestling Association-Southern Illinois Conference Wrestling for a month. He was then sent to
Ohio Valley Wrestling (OVW). There, Orton held the
OVW Hardcore Championship on two separate occasions.
After signing with WWE, Orton became a member of the
stable Evolution, which quickly led to his capture of the
WWE Intercontinental Championship, his first title with the company.
Orton also acquired the
moniker "The Legend Killer" during a storyline where he began disrespecting
Hall of Famers and physically attacking
veterans of the industry outside of appropriate restrictions.
In 2004, Orton became the youngest
World Heavyweight Champion, when he won the title at the age of twenty-four.
This title win resulted in his departure from Evolution and a
feud with his former stablemates. In 2006, Orton joined forces with
Edge in a
tag team known as
Rated-RKO. Together, Orton and Edge held the
World Tag Team Championship.
After the team disbanded, Orton, during mid-2007, won the
WWE Championship twice in one night.
He is also the winner of the
2009 Royal Rumble match.
