Okay, so I’ve been digging into Randy Orton’s 2013 run lately. It was a pretty wild time for him, going from a kinda stale face to a top-tier heel with The Authority. I wanted to really see what the hype was about, frame by frame, so I went on a little deep dive.
Getting Started
First, I pulled up a bunch of old RAW and SmackDown episodes from that year. You know, the ones easily found if you look. It’s kinda messy, jumping around different weeks, but that’s part of the fun, right?
The Process
- Started watching, chronologically as much as I could. I really focused on his promos and in-ring work, making notes of how his character was evolving.
- Noted key matches. The ones against Daniel Bryan, The Shield, and Big Show stand out the most. I jotted down specific spots and moments that felt important.
- Rewatched certain segments multiple times. Especially those early Authority promos, they were critical. I wanted to get a feel for his delivery and how he interacted with Triple H and Stephanie.
- Took screenshots. Just a few of my own screens for key moments. Just phone pictures. I didn’t use it for anything, just to make records.
What I Found
Man, it’s clear why this period is so well-regarded. Orton’s shift to a corporate champion was so well done. You could see him really relish playing the bad guy, and his in-ring work was top-notch. It’s a great case study in how a character can be refreshed and become even more compelling.
The whole thing was a blast. It’s like piecing together a puzzle, and it’s satisfying to see the whole picture come together. I’d definitely recommend this little exercise to any wrestling fan, especially if you’re into character development and storytelling.
