Randy Orton Accidentally Reveals Unfortunate Health Status

Randy Orton has commented on his health while advising a younger man.

For over two decades, Randy Orton has taken numerous bumps as a WWE superstar. Throughout his career, Orton has dealt with injuries just like most WWE superstars.

Early in his career, Randy Orton dealt with shoulder issues. Earlier this decade, Orton missed over 18 months of in-ring action due to a serious back injury that required surgery and threatened his career. The Viper was able to come back from it, though.

While appearing at IShowSpeed’s Los Angeles premiere of Speed’s “Speed Goes Pro” event, Randy Orton was on hand to nearly take an RKO out of nowhere from Speed, who stopped himself from actually attempting the move, which was a wise decision on his part.

The popular YouTuber IShowSpeed has gained recognition among WWE fans, primarily due to the massive Spear he took from Bron Breakker in the 2025 Royal Rumble. It was a viral moment that many people still talk about to this day.

Randy Orton, who is 45 years old, spoke to WWE cameras at Speed’s event and offered some advice to 20-year-old Speed.

“If I could give Speed any advice, in another couple of decades, make sure that you’ve moved on and you’re not taking bumps like that, because it’s gonna be hard to get up in the morning – take it from me.”

How Serious Was Randy Orton’s Back Injury?

In the two years since coming from a serious back injury, Randy Orton has opened up about just how scary a situation it was.

“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.”

That led Orton to admit that doctors had told him he should consider retiring as a wrestler.

“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.”

Next up for Randy Orton is a tag team match that will see him with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes against The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed on the October 3rd edition of WWE SmackDown.