Randy Orton recently shared which match he believes earned him the respect of WWE fans.
The Viper appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live, guest-hosted by music artist Jelly Roll, where he was asked if the match was his favorite career moment.
Orton pointed to his 2004 Backlash showdown against Mick Foley.
He explained, “I’ve been asked that many times and it’s tough to pick just one. I’ve had numerous matches I’m proud of, but at 24, I faced Mick Foley in a hardcore match at Backlash. That match was a turning point for me because I showed fans a side of myself they hadn’t seen—putting my body on the line in an intense, physical battle filled with blood, sweat, and tears. I earned the fans’ respect that night, and from then on, there was a noticeable change in the atmosphere whenever I entered the arena.”
In that match, Orton defended his Intercontinental Championship against Cactus Jack, with Evolution members banned from ringside, leaving Foley to fend for himself. The brutal contest included shocking moments, such as members of Evolution being thrown into thumb tacks after narrowly avoiding an RKO. The bout concluded with Orton hitting Foley with an RKO onto a barbed wire baseball bat.
You can watch the full interview with Randy on Jimmy Kimmel Live, which also covers perspectives on Drew McIntyre and Logan Paul.
Fan Take: This insight from Orton sheds light on a pivotal moment that helped shape his legacy and WWE history. For fans, it highlights the grit and resilience that define wrestling greats and underscores the emotional connection wrestlers build with audiences through unforgettable matches.
