News

Ex-WWE Champion Sets Sights on Breaking John Cena’s Legendary Record

By Monika Thapa • Published Mar 01, 2026 00:50 EST

John Cena holds the all-time WWE record for the most world championship reigns, having won a world title 17 times, and Randy Orton wants to break it.

This year’s Men’s Elimination Chamber featured Je’Von Evans, LA Knight, Trick Williams, Logan Paul, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton inside the unforgiving steel cage. Randy Orton picked up the victory. Now, he is headed to WrestleMania 42 to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

Following the Elimination Chamber match, Orton appeared on the Elimination Chamber post-show, where he spoke about his victory. Orton began by expressing his gratitude for being able to return to the ring after his career-threatening spinal fusion surgery.

A few years ago, and you can relate to this, I had a career-threatening injury. I had a spinal fusion, and I didn’t think I was going to be able to wrestle again. So when I came back, I was grateful for every second that I was in that ring. And I thought to myself, let me give back. Let me talk to the young’ns. And I did. And I have. And I will continue to do that.

Randy Orton Is Confident He’ll Become 15-Time World Champion At WWE WrestleMania 42

Randy Orton added that he has a clear goal in mind: to surpass John Cena’s record of 17 World Championships in WWE. He added that at WrestleMania this year, he will move one step closer to that goal by becoming a 15-time World Champion.

But I’ve got to get mine too, you know what I’m saying? I’ve got to get number 15. I’ve got to beat Cena’s number 17, Flair’s number 16. I think me and H are tied at 14, so I’ve got to start with number 15.

And you know what? I did a little interview in the ring, I think it was for SportsCenter, afterward, and tonight was my 196th pay-per-view, or excuse me, PLE. It was also my 10th Elimination Chamber, which means I’m going to main event WrestleMania. It will be my 21st WrestleMania.

And I’m going to set a record there in a few years, by the way, and I will get my 15th title, as we’ve stated already a few times. (From 46:41 to 47:54)

Randy Orton is already a 14-time world champion.

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit the original source and h/t with a link back to TJR Wrestling for the transcription.

Make TJR Wrestling your choice for news by clicking here.