While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Randy Orton discussed Vince McMahon stepping down as TKO Executive Chairman and from the TKO Board of Directors following a lawsuit filed by former employee Janel Grant against McMahon, WWE, and former executive John Laurinaitis.
The lawsuit made serious allegations against McMahon, including sex trafficking, emotional abuse, and sexual assault. Here are the highlights:
On the allegations:
“I’ve got to say this–I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of times,” said Orton. “I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f—, I’m reading this sh–. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f—— hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.”
On how things have changed in WWE:
“So much happened while I was out,” said Orton. “When I left, the old guard was still doing its thing. Vince was still around. TV’s were getting rewritten over and over again. The writers were being held up until all hours in the morning. And all that changed. I am excited to work for WWE. Nick Khan is amazing. Triple H being in charge of creative is amazing. I’ve had a relationship with him for over 20 years. I went to his wedding back in ‘03. We’ve been at odds before when I was a f— up when I was young, and I won him back. He’s seen me go from an adolescent assh— prick who didn’t know what I was doing–I was an insecure punk, that’s what I was. I’m the oldest sibling in my family, but he’s like an older brother to me in many ways. He’s always been there and had the best of advice.”
On changes in WWE:
“I’m very happy with the changes, and I’m very happy that Nick Khan, Triple H, Bruce Prichard and all those guys are proving they mean what they say. The company changed, and they care about the talent. I think everybody feels the same way.”
In a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, WWE superstar Randy Orton opened up about the allegations made against Vince McMahon, the changes happening within WWE, and his thoughts on the current leadership.
The interview began with Orton addressing the serious allegations made against McMahon, including sex trafficking, emotional abuse, and sexual assault. Orton expressed his disbelief and disappointment, stating that he wouldn’t be where he is today without McMahon taking a chance on him. He admitted that reading about the allegations hurt his heart, as he has a deep appreciation for McMahon’s role in his career.
Moving on to discuss the changes happening within WWE, Orton acknowledged that a lot had happened while he was away from the company. He mentioned that when he left, the “old guard” was still in charge, with McMahon at the helm and constant rewrites of TV scripts. However, Orton expressed excitement about the current state of WWE, particularly praising Nick Khan and Triple H’s involvement. He highlighted his long-standing relationship with Triple H, describing him as an older brother figure who has always been there for him. Orton also commended the company for showing that they genuinely care about their talent.
Orton’s positive outlook on the changes in WWE was evident as he expressed his satisfaction with the current leadership. He specifically mentioned Nick Khan, Triple H, and Bruce Prichard as individuals who are proving that they mean what they say. According to Orton, the company has transformed for the better, and he believes that everyone within WWE shares the same sentiment.
This interview provides insight into Randy Orton’s perspective on the recent allegations against Vince McMahon and his thoughts on the changes happening within WWE. Orton’s admiration for McMahon’s impact on his career is evident, despite his disappointment in the allegations. Furthermore, his positive outlook on the current leadership and their commitment to caring for the talent showcases his optimism for the future of WWE.