Smark Out Moment

In FIVE MOVES OF DOOM, we break down a particular wrestler's moveset and examine the five signature maneuvers that they perform on a regular basis.

These are the moves that fans watch out for during a match and are usually in a sequential pattern, building up to and including their finishers that typically get the biggest pop of suspense from the crowd each and every week.

This edition concentrates on Randy Orton, a former 12-time WWE and World Heavyweight Champion and currently a member of the Authority. He is a third generation superstar, son of Hall of Famer Cowboy Bob Orton. The Viper and former Legend Killer is known for his sadistic mannerisms and unrestrained arrogance. Orton was the first WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and has had notable feuds with John Cena, Triple H and Daniel Bryan. He was also part of the stables Evolution and Legacy.


1. Garvin Stomp

A move innovated by Ron Garvin, Orton approaches a prone opponent and stamps his foot onto their arm. He then continues to circle the downed victim and connects with more stomps on both of their legs/ankles and other arm/hand. This is usually done methodically and not rushed, and concludes with either a stamp on the face or a jumping knee drop. Occasionally in multi-man matches, Orton will do this simultaneously to two or more opponents, stamping on various body parts. It is performed more for show than causing significant pain. This causes damage to the opponents' arms, legs and head.

2. Inverted headlock backbreaker

This move can be performed stand alone, but is often employed by Orton as a counter or a means to kill the momentum of his opponent. Orton stands behind his victim and wraps his arm across their throat in a standard headlock. He then turns 180 degrees so they are back to back, but maintaining the grasp of his opponent. Orton leans forward, falling to his knees, pulling the victim down across his own back, jarring their spine. This has been a staple of Orton's moveset since his Evolution days, but has only ever been a signature move. It causes damage to the opponent's lower back.

3. Rope-hung DDT


This move can be set up either through the opponent standing on the apron and is pulled through the middle rope, or if Orton tosses his victim through the middle rope but maintains a headlock. Orton pulls his opponent through the rope until only his feet are still in contact with the ropes. From this elevated position, Orton holds the victim in place for a beat before dropping them head first onto the canvas in a DDT. This is the standard version, but Orton has been known to perform this from a variety of positions, such as from the turnbuckle, off the top rope, from the ring apron, announce table or security barrier to the floor. This is almost never followed by a pin attempt, and is the lead-in to his finishing maneuver. It damages the opponent's head and neck.

4. Punt

Used as a finisher from 2007 but currently only used occasionally, this move is performed on a downed opponent that is prone on his hands and knees. Orton gets a warped expression on his face, and backs up into a corner. He then charges towards his victim and strikes him with the sole of his boot, similar to a punt in football or a soccer kick. Although this move is associated with Orton, it doesn't connect hugely often, as it has been used in storylines to give superstars concussions. It has caused 'injuries' to the likes of Chris Jericho, Triple H and Vince McMahon. The move damages an opponent's head.

5. RKO


Orton's finishing maneuver since 2003 has often been referred to as the most explosive finisher in the whole of WWE, and can be performed seemingly at any time. The move sees Orton jump in mid-air, grabbing his opponent in a three-quarter facelock parallel to the ground with one arm. Thus, as Orton falls to the mat on his back, the victim is sent face first to the canvas with a cutter. This is the move that typically brings a victory to Orton, and few superstars have ever kicked out of it. Orton has also performed this move in a variety of situations. Orton has used the RKO off the top rope, catching an opponent in mid-air, and upon a folding steel chair. This causes damage to the opponent's head, especially the face.


CONCLUSION

Randy Orton is undoubtedly one of the biggest superstars in recent history, and has had successful runs as both a face and heel. Though recently he has been stuttering as part of the Authority, he entered 2014 as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and it would be foolish to suggest he won't hold that belt once more. Orton is often criticized for being dull, but in reality he is one of the greatest in-ring performers in recent memory. His style is so crisp and clean that he hardly ever partakes in a bad match, and if he does have one, it is given extra focus due to his impressive consistency. Orton's moveset has been practiced to such a degree that most of his moves have become associated with him above anybody else. His swagger and malicious intent carry him to quality bouts every week, and makes him a wrestler's dream opponent, as long as they are willing to take a few bumps.