Randy Orton has named his match against a WWE Hall of Famer and former World Champion as his career favourite to date.
As a 20-year veteran, Randy Orton has squared off against many of the biggest stars that WWE has ever seen. Even early in his career, Orton shared the ring with Triple H, Ric Flair and The Undertaker just to name a few.
However, Orton has admitted that there is one match that stands out above all others.
Speaking during an appearance on Out of Character with Ryan Satin, Orton reflected on his match with Mick Foley at Backlash in 2004. Towards the end of 2003, Orton was into his run as the “Legend Killer,” and set his sights on Mick Foley.
The feud saw The Viper repeatedly disrespect Foley, spitting in his face and throwing him down a flight of stairs. This led to the Hall of Famer returning to action at the Royal Rumble, taking both himself and Orton out of the match. In turn, this set up a match at WrestleMania XX where Foley teamed with The Rock to take on Ric Flair, Batista and Orton.
On the night, Evolution were successful, but the rivalry rumbled on to Backlash the following month where Orton faced Foley, wrestling as Cactus Jack, in a Hardcore Match.
In the bout, Orton took a bump onto a pile of thumbtacks, while barbed wire and a whole host of other weapons came into play.
Recalling the match, Orton praised Foley for how much he gave him, and what it did for his career.
“Not just because I landed in thumbtacks. Its what he was doing for me in that match. Like he came out of retirement, allowed me to end the year (2003) spitting in his face. The new year’s chiming in and all the wrestling fans are talking about is how I disrespected like that. He gave me so much. So that match because of what he did for me makes it mean even more.”
Randy Orton has previously claimed that the match “made him,” crediting Foley with showing that he was ready to be taken seriously as a performer.
H/t to Sportskeeda for the transcription.