Credit: WWE.com
WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair recently voiced pointed criticisms regarding the current booking of Randy Orton, one of WWE’s most decorated veterans. While Flair lauded his daughter Charlotte Flair as “the best in the world,” he expressed disappointment about how WWE is handling Orton’s position, suggesting the company has not done justice to the 14-time world champion’s legacy and ongoing storylines.
Ric Flair Praises Charlotte, Questions Randy Orton’s Booking
In a recent interview, Ric Flair offered glowing praise for Charlotte Flair, calling her arguably the best wrestler active today. Yet his tone shifted critically when asked about Randy Orton’s trajectory in WWE. Flair implied that despite Orton’s in-ring prowess and star power, WWE’s creative decisions have not maximized his potential or respected his storied career.
“It’s tough watching Randy put in hard work but not getting the booking he deserves. There’s a lot of history and credibility there that WWE needs to honor,” Flair commented, according to sources close to the wrestling legend.
Randy Orton’s Recent WWE Storylines and Matches
Orton has remained a central figure on WWE programming through 2025, highlighted by his deep run in the King of the Ring tournament. Despite making it to the finals at Night of Champions 2025, Orton fell short against rising star Cody Rhodes in a well-received hard-fought classic match. This loss has seemingly led WWE to recalibrate Orton’s storyline directions.
Following the King of the Ring, WWE arranged a renewed rivalry for Orton against Drew McIntyre, another veteran star. They are slated to clash at an upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event in July, signaling WWE’s intent to keep Orton in high-profile, marquee matches despite the setback in championship contention. Some backstage speculation suggests WWE may soon turn Orton heel again to freshen his character and tipping point momentum.
WWE Insider Comments: Direction for Orton Needs Clarity
According to a WWE insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, there’s a backstage sense that Orton’s booking is in flux. “Randy’s been a babyface for too long, and it’s starting to wear thin. Fans love him, but the storylines haven’t hit that next gear. Most creative folks believe a heel turn could reignite interest and give him a new edge,” said the source.
However, the insider also noted that WWE respects Orton’s legacy and is trying to balance honoring his status with integrating younger talents. “It’s a tricky spot. You want to build fresh stars, but Randy has to remain relevant. It’s just a matter of finding the right booking and character direction.”
Fan and Critic Reactions to Orton’s Current Status
WWE fans have been divided about Orton’s recent performances and storyline placements. Some praise his consistency and charisma, pointing out that his theme song is once again chanted loudly at events, signaling strong fan support. Critics, however, share Flair’s concerns that WWE’s creative has sometimes underutilized Orton’s talents, especially considering his legendary status.
Notably, the acclaimed WWE Backlash 2025 event featured a spectacular match including Orton that received high marks for quality and storytelling. Reviewers lauded how Orton embodied a true face (hero) role versus heel John Cena, showing his enduring ability to captivate audiences even into his 40s.
The Broader WWE Landscape: Where Does Orton Fit?
Ric Flair’s critique arrives at a time when WWE is actively reshaping its roster dynamics with emerging stars like Cody Rhodes taking center stage. Orton represents a bridge between WWE’s golden era performers and its new generation, but balancing this has proven challenging for WWE creative.
WWE’s recent focus has been to ignite fresh feuds and compelling narratives, including reigniting Orton’s rivalry with McIntyre. Scheduled matches like Clash in Paris might further elevate Orton if booked as a burning heel character, according to wrestling analysts. Such a development could realign Orton as a top-tier antagonist, revitalizing his appeal.
Ric Flair’s Legacy and Its Influence on WWE Booking
As a 16-time world champion himself, Ric Flair’s opinions carry great weight within the industry. He witnessed the rise and evolution of Randy Orton firsthand during their overlapping tenures, amplifying the relevance of his observations.
An insider familiar with Flair’s perspective shared, “Ric wants to see WWE honor the legends properly. It’s not just about pushing new stars it’s about respecting the ones who paved the way. He views Orton as part of that lineage, deserving strong, meaningful booking.”
What’s Next for Randy Orton?
With WWE planning marquee bouts and possibly a heel turn, Randy Orton’s future storylines could soon gain momentum. Fans and insiders alike await decisions that could better leverage Orton’s star power and wrestling prowess. Flair’s candid critique shines a light on the importance of booking decisions that both honor legacy and entertain wrestling audiences.
As WWE continues crafting its narratives leading into events like SummerSlam and WrestleMania 41, all eyes remain on how the company will position Randy Orton, arguably one of the most accomplished and influential wrestlers of the modern era.