WWE Icon Randy Orton’s Ex-Friend: “I Blame Myself For Trusting Him”
WWE Superstar Randy Orton has brought his Legend Killer persona out of the attic.
The Viper turned heel despite already having a title shot at Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 42. After leaving The American Nightmare leaking crimson at the contract signing, he later gave further proof that the voices in his head are completely unchecked by attacking another wrestler last week on SmackDown. Now, one of his now-former friends has issued a statement on the matter.
Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Speaks Up After Randy Orton Destroys Him
The March 20, 2026, edition of the blue-branded show saw The Apex Predator explaining why he turned on Cody Rhodes. The 14-time WWE world champion had said that he just brought out his best version and that he still loved QB1. Despite this, Matt Cardona confronted him backstage, claiming that he was operating the wrong way.
A frustrated Randy Orton tried to reason with Cardona, but gave up within two seconds and just decked him. Later in the show, The Viper called the former Intercontinental Champion to apologize to him, only to low-blow him and destroy him, breaking his arm with a steel chair this time.
Speaking on the matter, Cardona has now uploaded a post on Instagram, stating that he had known Orton for over 20 years. He also blamed himself for thinking that The Viper had good intentions when he called him out.
I’ve known @randyorton for 20 years. I considered us friends. I blame myself for trusting him. I get it…he wants the Undisputed @wwe Championship……WE ALL DO! Thanks for the wake up call Randy.”
View this post on Instagram
Randy Orton had attacked Cardona despite Jelly Roll asking him to stop choosing the bad path and to be thankful for his friends and family. It would be interesting to see if heel Orton will be able to win his 15th world title at WrestleMania 42.