Randy Orton On ‘New School vs. Old School’ In Today’s Wrestling
Photo credit: AMER HILABI/AFP/Getty Images
Being a third generation talent, Randy Orton is old school to a T, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t respect the work of today’s modern wrestler, even if it can be dangerous.
Orton spoke on a conference call with ViBe & Wrestling’s Vincente Beltran on the fascinating topic of the “new school vs. old school” mindset. While the work and the style has changed, Orton ultimately believes that the psychology in the ring hasn’t, but the risk younger stars are taking today could be detrimental to not only their bodies, but the storytelling juncture.
“I don’t think anything’s changed in that regard from old school to new school. I think that new school is more of that independent wrestling mentality. We have a lot of indy guys that have been called up to NXT and WWE, a lot of guys that can tell a wonderful story; it’s a little faster paced, it’s a little more…I think the right word to describe it would be dangerous. I think that if our fans knew how much these guys were risking sometimes at putting their neck on the line sometimes just for one match out of the year, to try and get a look or grab that brass ring, I think that they would understand a little better. It’s definitely an exciting style but I think the new school, the fast pace, the bumps all over the place, all the false finishes, the nonstop action, I think that hurts, in the long run, the story you’re trying to tell.
“But in the grand scheme I think the psychology hasn’t changed. These athletes that they’re breeding these days are just getting more and more athletic. The ability to do things physically better than past generations. Things that have never even been seen before, especially in past generations. Their ability to do that is at an all-time high so I enjoy watching the new school style and I can tell when there’s a guy that I think can tell a story with that new school style, but I don’t think it’s really changed that much.”
(Transcription credit should go to @DominicDeAngelo of WrestleZone)
RELATED: Keith Lee Understands Drew McIntyre’s Anger, Aims For ‘Payback’ Against Orton