For the very last time, Randy Orton will be challenging John Cena at Backlash.
The careers of both men have been intertwined throughout the years so it is fitting they will meet one last time during Cena’s farewell tour, year.
Orton told Billboard that he feels odd being the hero or face this time but at least he will be in his hometown of St. Louis.
“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 shit on me and be booing me,” he said.
Orton also explained how TNA World Champion Joe Hendry became his opponent at WrestleMania.
“It kind of came down to, “OK. We need to get Orton an opponent. Who’s it gonna be?” And there was a very short list of guys on our own roster, but we had some new guys coming in — and it was one of those things where I needed to win, but considering we knew where I was going to be going thinking about Backlash, we needed me to look good coming out of Mania. It couldn’t be one of our new guys, because when we debut a new talent into the show [we couldn’t] have him start with a loss,” he said.
“So we put our heads together and it was actually my idea [for it to be] Joe Hendry. I kept pushing for it, and a couple people we’re unsure, but I was able to talk everybody into it. I’m really glad that they went with him. It was perfect. It was different from anything else on the card. It was a legitimate surprise, and we were able to keep it a surprise for the most part. We got that really cool, “Holy shit” moment when his music hit, and it was great. He was great. It was actually a stress-free fun Mania for me, because I didn’t have this crazy 30 minutes balls-to-the-walls match with all this high-risk s–t. I had this cool little segment with Joe, and we didn’t have to do much to have fun out there. So I was really able to enjoy the week and just soak it all up,” he added.
As far as Paul Heyman’s new group, Orton has an idea for a new member.
“I’ve always been an Austin Theory fan. I feel like he just needed to mature a little bit — just like we all do ’cause he started young — but starting that young and having that much going for you, you’re ahead of the game. Now that he’s becoming a man — so to speak before our eyes — I could see him finding who he is in that ring and settling down and being the fourth member for a group like that. And I did hear they’re comparing that new faction to Evolution, and all I can say is that I’m honored. That’s awesome. I love that they’re still talking about stuff that I’ve done 20 years ago today. I take pride in that,” he said.
WWE Backlash takes place this Saturday. The line-up is:
Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena vs. Randy Orton
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch
Pat McAfee vs. Gunther
United States Champion Jacob Fatu vs. LA Knight vs. Damian Priest vs. Drew McIntyre (Fatal 4-Way Match)
Intercontinental Champion Dominik Mysterio vs. Penta
