Randy Orton has discussed the Vince McMahon allegations that shocked the world.
January 25th saw a very dark day in wrestling as Vince McMahon was accused of sex trafficking and sexual assault by former WWE employee Janel Grant. The disturbing allegations would expose a toxic culture within the professional wrestling company and would ultimately lead to Vince McMahon resigning from his role as Executive Chairman of the Board, still denying the allegations.
For Orton, the wrestling environment is a whole different world compared to the one he was in prior to being sidelined with a near career-ending back injury in May 2022. At that point, McMahon had not retired for the first time, was the sole owner of the company and everyone had to answer to him in regards to any changes in business or creative.
The 14-time World Champion has been a part of the company for over 20 years on the main roster. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Orton stated that he does owe a lot to McMahon for his success in the wrestling world and had the following to say in regard to the abhorrent allegations:
“I’ve got to say this, I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of times. I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f*ck, I’m reading this sh*t. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f*cking hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.”
Randy Orton Discusses Regime Change
By the time Orton returned at Survivor Series 2023, Triple H had been named the sole head of creative by Endeavor, who purchased WWE while Orton was sidelined. Discussing the change in structure, Orton had a lot of praise for his long-time friend and former rival:
“So much happened while I was out. When I left, the old guard was still doing its thing. Vince was still around. TV’s were getting rewritten over and over again. The writers were being held up until all hours in the morning. And all that changed.
“I am excited to work for WWE. Nick Khan is amazing. Triple H being in charge of creative is amazing. I’ve had a relationship with him for over 20 years. I went to his wedding back in ‘03. We’ve been at odds before when I was a f*ck up when I was young, and I won him back. He’s seen me go from an adolescent asshole prick who didn’t know what I was doing. I was an insecure punk, that’s what I was. I’m the oldest sibling in my family, but he’s like an older brother to me in many ways. He’s always been there and had the best of advice.”
John Cena would also issue a statement on Vince McMahon, describing him as an individual he loves.