Randy Orton is one of the most accomplished wrestlers in WWE, renowned for his impressive performances in the ring. Throughout his career, Randy Orton has earned several nicknames, such as “The Viper” and “The Legend Killer,” due to his numerous achievements and milestones in WWE.
In the current generation, very few wrestlers can match his skill and charisma inside the ring. However, according to NXT superstar Mr. Stone, he has found a young version of Orton in Kale Dixon.
NXT rookie draws Randy Orton comparison
Mr. Stone has been serving as a manager in WWE since his return to the company in 2019. However, he is now set to make his in-ring return at NXT Halloween Havoc on October 31, 2023. Wrestling fans who are familiar with IMPACT Wrestling might recognize him as Robbie E, a former TNA World Tag Team Champion who won the title as part of The BroMans alongside Jessie Godderz.
"You know, he just was on The Bachelorette – Kale Dixon, I don't know if you're familiar with him. He's performed on NXT Level Up. He got offered a baseball deal and turned it down to come here to be part of NXT and I think he has so much potential.
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) October 31, 2023
"He reminds me, the way he… pic.twitter.com/X0VMQRFY2P
In a recent interview with PWInsider, Stone shared his thoughts on Bron Breakker, the NXT star who he believes bears resemblances to Randy Orton.
“You know, he just was on The Bachelorette—Kale Dixon; I don’t know if you’re familiar with him. He’s performed on NXT Level Up. He got offered a baseball deal and turned it down to come here to be part of NXT, and I think he has so much potential. He reminds me of the way he moves and talks and his swag; he reminds me of a young… big, big comparison here, but almost like a young Randy Orton, and I just think he has so much to offer. He has such a bright future ahead of him.” said Mr. Stone.
Kale Dixon, whose real name is Caleb Balgaard, made his NXT debut in November 2022 at a house show where he faced Tank Ledger. He was among the recruits in the August 2022 class and has since appeared regularly on NXT house shows and NXT Level Up. Meanwhile, Stone is scheduled to face Bron Breakker tonight at NXT Halloween Havoc Night Two.
The probable return date for Randy Orton
Randy Orton has been absent from the WWE since the May 20, 2022 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, where he and Matt Riddle lost the Raw Tag Team Titles to The Usos in a unification match, due to a back injury. Although he is expected to return soon, his absence has been prolonged due to the severity of his injury, which required back fusion surgery.
Initially, WWE had hoped that Orton would be back in time for SummerSlam but his recovery took longer than anticipated. It has been reported that WWE has approved new merchandise and branding for Randy Orton. The reason for the approval is that The Viper is expected to make a comeback in late November at Survivor Series 2023, which will take place at the United Center in Chicago, IL.
Regarding a Randy Orton return at #SurvivorSeries, that is the suggested timeframe, likely a month or so.
— PW Chronicle (@_PWChronicle) October 27, 2023
Orton's doctor did suggest retirement due to back issues, but Orton makes a lot of money and wants to wrestle until he is 50, if at all possible.
– per @WONF4W pic.twitter.com/WL8KMXsFuN
According to Dave Meltzer’s recent report in the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Randy Orton’s expected return time frame is still on track. The report also stated that Orton, who earns a substantial amount of money, is keen on continuing his career until he reaches 50, if possible.
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