Randy Orton Worried By WWE Crowd Reactions

Randy Orton is fearing the worst.

At Backlash, Randy Orton will challenge for World Championship gold for the first time since stepping up to face Gunther at Bash In Berlin. However, this time, the veteran will be on much more familiar ground.

When Orton meets John Cena for the final time on May 10, he’ll do so in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. But, he doesn’t think that guarantees him a warm welcome from the crowd.

Randy Orton Nervous Ahead Of Backlash

In a new interview with Billboard, Orton cast doubt on the idea that he will be treated like the returning hero on the big night. The veteran believes that because he tends to stay away from the limelight, that might count against him.

“It’s different, because I’m the good guy, and that’s never been the case before — so I don’t know what to expect. I wouldn’t say I’m nervous, but I’m very excited to see, because usually I know the type of reaction I’m going to get, or at least I know the type of reaction I want. Usually, it’s close to that.

But with this, I don’t know. They might love John. They might s–t on me and be booing me. I know it’s my hometown and I’m from St. Louis and I grew up here — but as far as being the hometown guy, I’m not at all the Cardinals games, or wearing the Blues jersey, and doing all that s–t. I’m a homebody. I’m not out.

I have my kids and wife, and we stay to ourselves when I’m in town. It’s not that I don’t rep the city, but I’m not out there repping the city. So it’s not like everyone is going to love me necessarily. I’m very curious to see how Saturday goes.”

Elsewhere at Backlash, Lyra Valkyria will defend the Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch, while Jacob Fatu puts the United States Championship on the line against Drew McIntyre, Damian Priest, and LA Knight.

Penta will challenge Dominik Mysterio for the Intercontinental Championship, and Pat McAfee takes on Gunther.