Can you remember the context of past Randy Orton’s “RKO out of Nowhere” returns? New WWE video presents a compilation and context of iconic moments

Randy Orton has been a steady presence in WWE for over two decades. He has won multiple championships, been a part of some major feuds, and has captured the attention of audiences around the world. One huge reason why is because of his finishing move, the RKO. He drops his opponents onto the mat in a swift motion, delivering the move within seconds of entering the ring without giving them any time to react. That’s what he did to Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam during his Undisputed WWE Championship match against CM Punk.

In celebration of Orton’s return with an RKO to an unexpected opponent, the WWE YouTube channel uploaded another WWE Playlist. This time they focused on his many returns throughout the years, which all included the devastating RKO.

This video showcased the impact of Orton’s RKO is and how it is effective after nearly two decades of use. If he gets mad at someone, he’ll deliver the RKO to them, much to the fans’ amusement.

The video started off with his Survivor Series: WarGames return in November 2023. That was the first time he was in a WWE ring since May 2022 due to a back injury. He was out for 18 months, and many fans thought he would retire. But he came back and immediately started dropping wrestlers with the RKO. Since then, he’s been back to the same old Orton, which has been great to see.

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I would’ve liked to have seen more of his RKO’s from the 2000s and 2010s, though. The only one seen in the video prior to 2021 was when he delivered the move to the members of The Authority during WWE Fastlane in 2015. That would’ve given viewers a more proper career overview of Orton and the RKO.

Overall, this was a good video that showed everyone that when Orton makes an appearance, the RKO will be coming with him. It’s always cool to see the move get delivered in real time. No one ever knows when that’ll happen; even the commentators or wrestlers don’t know. He could be having a conversation and then just hit the other wrestler with an RKO.

After over two decades in the company and a near career-ending injury, Orton still effectively pulls the move off. That’s exactly what happened at SummerSlam on Sunday with Rhodes. He ran into the ring, delivered the RKO to COdy Rhodes, and exited within seconds to aid CM Punk in retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship. He’s really lived up to The Viper nickname, as the RKO attacks are as quick as a viper’s. This video showed fans how dangerous Orton can be while getting them excited for what’s next for him.