What To Do With Randy Orton?
With an already thin roster at the top, the recent suspension of Randy Orton by WWE is even more noticeable. But what to do with Randy going forward is even a bigger question. Here’s what I would do if I was in charge.
1. Jump on a plane and meet with him. – Find out where his head is at and find out what he wants to do. Spend some time with him. The company has already invested millions in him. Supposedly a meeting was held and reports are it didn’t go well. Not saying my meeting would go better but have the meeting on his turf. This meeting is about him and his future. Tear down the barriers to constructive conversation.
2. Do what he wants. – If he wants time off, take it. If he wants to be released, release him. If he wants to come back, give him the conditions. Have him sign off on them so there can be no “gray areas”. The fact that Randy failed a drug test for a banned substance can’t be overlooked. Is he dissatisfied with life in general, can WWE make him happy? Or is the reason for unhappiness?
3. Evaluate Randy both mentally and physically. – WWE is a grind unlike anything else. With the rise of concussions and a history of shoulder injuries, Randy needs to visit specialists in all areas. Plus, there was a time where Randy was on a self-destructive path with substance abuse. Has he relapsed? Could he relapse? Find out and cut no corners in this area.
Randy has always been an emotional guy. When I worked with him and he was in OVW, there were a few instances where he reacted badly to questions about his hair and tattoos. Randy seemed like the kind of guy who was, in one respect, uncomfortable in his own skin or at least was the kind of guy doesn’t want to be told what to do when it comes to his look.
Having been with the company for so long, Randy should be known inside and out. I would assume they know everything about him but do they? The old saying “you can’t see the trees for the forest” comes to mind.
Have they neglected Randy Orton? Beaten the love out of him? Has he lost the respect of his peers? Time will tell what the future for Randy Orton is in WWE but signs don’t point to an immediate, favorable outcome for Orton fans.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
