Randy Orton's Long-Lasting Friendship With Rey Mysterio, Explained
Highlights
- Randy Orton's promo mocking Eddie Guerrero's death was a controversial moment that intensified his rivalry with Rey Mysterio.
- Despite their on-screen animosity, Orton and Mysterio share a genuine friendship and mutual admiration for each other's skills.
- The recent match between Randy Orton and Dominik Mysterio added a complex layer to their intertwined legacies, highlighting the enduring bond between Orton and Rey.
In professional wrestling, alliances and rivalries often blur the lines between fiction and reality. One such relationship is the dynamic between two ring titans – Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio. Beyond the scripted animosity witnessed by millions on television, a compelling narrative unfolds backstage, where friendship triumphs over on-screen hostilities. With a tally of eight televised one-on-one matches resulting in a deadlocked rivalry, the complexities of their connection became apparent. From regrettable promos to unexpected camaraderie, now that both legends are passing the baton to the younger generation, it's fitting time to delve into the intriguing dichotomy between two WWE wrestling legends, exploring the untold story behind the intense and unexpected friendship that binds Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio.
Randy Orton And Rey Mysterio Had An Intense WWE Rivalry
Randy Orton Mocked Eddie Guerrero's Death
Wrestler | Wins | Total Matches | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
Randy Orton | 4 | 8 | 2005-2018 |
Rey Mysterio | 4 | 8 | 2005-2018 |
Randy Orton and Rey Mysterio, revered as two of the greatest wrestlers in the annals of the sport, forged a riveting on-screen narrative that transcended the confines of mere entertainment. Their clash began during the Ruthless Aggression era, a period etched in the memories of wrestling enthusiasts. However, it was a dark chapter that cemented their rivalry in the annals of WWE history. Despite having many classics over the years, there's one particular segment that comes to the fans’ mind instantly when they think of this rivalry.
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Randy Orton was a great villain in WWE, but he could also be a total jerk in the locker room.Following the untimely demise of Eddie Guerrero, a close friend of Rey Mysterio, the storyline took a visceral turn. In a shocking display of audacity, Randy Orton delivered a promo that pushed the boundaries of taste, asserting that Guerrero wasn't in Heaven but rather in Hell. This controversial moment reverberated through the wrestling community, leaving an indelible mark on their on-screen feud. Years later, in a surprising twist of fate, Orton publicly acknowledged the regret he carried for uttering those words on The Kurt Angle Show. This shed light on not only his respect for Eddie but a profound connection with Rey Mysterio that extended far beyond the scripted narratives of the ring.
Rey Mysterio And Randy Orton Respect Each Other's Skills
Rey Mysterio Wanted Dominik Mysterio To Be Like Randy Orton
Contrary to their on-screen animosity, Orton and Mysterio share a genuine off-screen friendship that transcends the boundaries of the squared circle. Rey Mysterio, in an interview with Sports Illustrated, unveiled the depth of his admiration for Randy Orton, boldly declaring him the greatest of all time in the wrestling world. In fact back in the day, he even wanted his son Dominik to be like Randy. He said:
“Randy Orton is, in my eyes and in my heart, the best wrestler in that company. I’m not talking about high flying, I’m not taking about the fast-paced acrobatic style. To me, he’s the best in WWE right now. I don’t think there is ever going to be a guy that works the style he does. The way he carries himself in the ring means a lot to me. Randy has a great presence and style that can’t be compared to anyone, and nobody can imitate his style... I actually use Randy Orton as an example to my son because he wants to start training in January. My son is a big kid—he’s 6’1”, 205—and I insist that he must watch and learn from Randy’s style. Not to imitate, but just to learn from what he has done over the years and see his evolution into who he is now. I have tremendous respect for that man. He’s an awesome human being, and he’s a general in the ring.”
The mutual respect is not a one-way street; Randy Orton has openly reciprocated the camaraderie. In a surprising and lighthearted moment, Orton took to social media, humorously revealing that, while stranded at the airport, his thoughts were occupied not by missing his wife but by contemplating the greatness of Rey Mysterio. This revelation offers fans a glimpse into the genuine and enduring bond that flourishes beyond the ring, showcasing a friendship that withstands the test of time and competition.
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Randy Orton Just Faced Dominik Mysterio
Rey Mysterio's wish for his son, Dominik, to follow in the footsteps of Randy Orton took a dramatic turn, adding a layer of complexity to their intertwined legacies. Dominik, in a shocking move, embraced the role of a heel by betraying his father. This unexpected shift mirrored the rebellious persona that Orton once embodied in his early career. Recently, Randy Orton faced Dominik Mysterio in a high-stakes match, showcasing the generational clash. The seasoned legend emerged victorious, underscoring the cyclical nature of wrestling narratives. In a surprising twist, Randy, now a revered babyface, openly acknowledged his friendship with Rey during an appearance on Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast. He said:
"His (Dominik's) dad and I are tight ... He's (Rey’s) probably the only guy back there that's friendlier than Omos. Rey took care of me back in the day ... So I wrestled Dom ... on 'Raw.' I don't know if you guys saw it or not, but it was such a pleasure to be out there with him and just to get to be out there knowing, 'Oh my god. I know your dad's at home watching.' I want to make your dad proud. It was a great feeling."
This unexpected alignment of past and present adds an intriguing chapter to the story of Randy Orton's friendship with Rey Mysterio.
