Randy Orton Broke Into Tears After Brutal Diagnosis

Randy Orton has lifted the lid on the struggles he faced while out with a serious back injury.

When Randy Orton was written off television on May 20th, 2022, fans had no idea just how serious his situation was. As time passed, information began to leak out concerning The Viper, including suggestions he’d been advised to retire following serious back surgery.

Despite the warnings, Orton finally returned to the ring at Survivor Series 2023 looking in the best physical condition of his life.

Speaking in a new interview with Sports Illustrated, Orton addressed his injury absence, revealing just how bad his back was before stepping away from the ring. Orton said things were so bad he was unable to stand for long, and was forced to keep sitting down while taking his kids trick or treating at Halloween.

The veteran then recalled thinking he might be able to get a cortisone injection to manage the issue, but it quickly became clear that simply wouldn’t get the job done.

“My lower spine was so far gone that no shot was going to help. No ablation procedure where they burn the nerve for another six months pain-free, none of that was going to work.

I had stenosis, degeneration all over my lower spine, and a slipping disc–every time I extended my spine, it would slip and press on those nerves. I couldn’t sit and take a sh– without pain shooting down my legs or my feet going numb. I couldn’t stand. There were times when I’d move and end up on the floor.”

Orton added that after being given his diagnosis he broke down crying, fearing that his quality of life could be severely impacted.

“And I’m working with top-of-their-class neurosurgeons, and they’re telling me, ‘You’ve had a great career. Maybe it’s time to hang up the boots. You’ve got to think of quality of life after your career.’

That’s always been a priority for me, but hearing all this, after thinking I was going to get an epidural cortisone shot and I’d be fine, it was tough. I’ll be honest–I broke into tears.”

Randy Orton Comments On Vince McMahon Allegations

During the same interview, Randy Orton addressed the sex trafficking and sexual assault allegations against Vince McMahon. The Viper admitted that while he owes McMahon everything and is responsible for his wrestling career, what he’s read “hurts his heart.”