Randy Orton and Austin Theory squared up in the SmackDown main event of the most recent program. The highlight of the evening was the match, in which Theory prevented Orton from suffering an injury after an ill-advised vertical super-plex.
Taking Theory to the top rope during the bout, Orton attempted a vertical super-plex, but his leg slipped and he fell to the ground. But Theory’s blockbuster—which is marketed as a vertical super-plex—saved the film.
In addition to covering the error, the swift action prevented Orton from getting hurt. Despite losing the match, Theory received praise for his ability to convey the moves and mutual respect.
Randy Orton’s first conversation with Austin Theory
Following the SmackDown match, an old Randy Orton interview from the After the Bell Podcast is becoming viral online. When Orton first met Theory, he recalled how polite he was and how he had requested permission to use a cutter variant akin to an RKO as a finishing move.
Austin Theory approached me when I was reclining on the computer and shook my hand. He was new, young, and trying to say the right thing, I could tell. He said, “Hey, I want to start doing this move and it ends up in a similar position, kind of like a cutter,” but he still asked.
Are you aware? He probably gives the victim a firefighter’s carry as he takes him up, flips him around, and performs a cutter. That this youngster took the time, the decency, and the wherewithal to ask me if it was okay if he did that shocked me to no end.
I replied, “Yes!” before I could even consider the appropriate response. God, I’m so sorry! Are you joking with me? He approached me and made a request. I’m not sure if that has ever occurred.
