By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE champion Randy Orton has made it clear that his priorities in the wrestling business are providing for his family and making sure he protects his body with every bump he takes in the ring. Orton gave a "State of Randy Orton" interview to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch today to promote WWE Raw in his hometown of St. Louis on Monday night.

"My in-ring style isn't the most dangerous. It's the type of thing (high-flying moves) I've taken out of my repertoire so that I can be able to have longevity in my career," Orton said. "That's what it's about, supporting my family, paying the bills. Being there for my family and being able to provide."

Orton said most WWE wrestlers walk around day-to-day with injuries, but he tries to avoid as much punishment as possible. He says Edge going down for "nine months" with a torn Achilles ankle was a wake-up call.

"It's a constant battle to stay healthy and stay in shape. In this business, your body is your money," Orton said. "Edge just tore his Achilles tendon. That's huge. That's like a nine-month injury. ... Any match can literally be your last match any time you step in the ring. You always have to conscious of how well you are physically and mentally."

Orton's perspective has come from the recent birth of his child and understanding the role of providing for his wife and kid. He said being a top star in WWE is stressful enough, but being away from his family while still having to provide has helped him mature from being the brash, cocky future star to a locker room leader.

"WWE superstars travel year-round. We are overseas constantly. I get about two days at home a week with my wife and my baby. It's not enough but I do enjoy what I do. My wife supports me, and I'm sure my little daughter will understand when she gets a little older," Orton said. "I have to set a good example. I have to be a good father. It really made me mature very quickly and realize I have to step up and be not only a good husband to my wife but a great father."

In the ring, one of the consistent labels for Orton's character is "the viper." Orton provided plenty of background on where the snake-like mannerisms of his heel character come from.

"I was a big fan of Jake 'The Snake' (Roberts). I always had a fascination with snakes and reptiles. I always wanted to be a herpetologist," Orton said. "Jake 'The Snake' started my curiosity with that and because he always had the big python in the burlap bag in the back. I was always big into playing with the snake when they came into town."

One of the ways Orton can continue making money for his family even if his body can't hold up to the strenuous WWE travel schedule is making money. TNA wrestler Kurt Angle is trying to extend his career by mixing movies with wrestling.

Orton says he is also looking to get into movies. He's read for a few parts and came close to a movie role with Drew Barrymore, but his body type didn't fit the character, he says. Orton is determined to be in a movie at some point soon despite the recent setack.

"I like watching movies, I would like to be in movies one day. That's another dream of mine is to get a part, no matter how big or small," Orton said. "WWE has their own film production company... There is a good chance that you'll see me on the big screen sooner or later."

Link: Read the rest of Randy Orton's in-depth interview with Santiago Ayulo of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

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