
Randy Orton Reflects Upon Intense Weight Gain During Injury Layoff
Randy Orton
has been the cornerstone of the
WWE
since 2002. The 14-time World Champion has faced every legend of his era and the era beyond to establish himself as one of the greats. To sustain a career that has continued for over 23 years, one must remain in pristine shape, especially in a physically intensive business like professional wrestling.
'The Viper' has done just that.
However, the past few years have been challenging for the now 45-year-old. The most prominent physical challenge Orton faced in recent years was a spinal fusion surgery that kept him out of action between May 2022 and November 2023. During this time, the usual 250ish Orton experienced a tremendous amount of weight gain while recovering.
Randy Orton Says He Weighed Over 300 Pounds During His Recovery
Speaking to Stephanie McMahon on her 'What's Your Story' podcast, Orton revealed that after his injury, his diet changed a lot, which led to a massive tick in weight.
"I went from like, kind of 240 to 250-ish. Over the winter, I had some time off, and I was a little over 300 pounds. Like, 'Oh, this guy gets a spinal fusion and he gains 80 pounds,' smart."
Orton said that his weight gain was mainly attributed to his affinity for sweet consumables, which he termed as a 'sugar tooth from hell'. Moreover, 'The Viper' listed some items that became part of his diet during his recovery.
"I went through like, a Nutella phase,' he added.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Free P2,000 GCash eGift
UnionBank Credit Card
Apply Now
Undo
'And that's one of the reasons I was just over 300 over Christmas. Is because, like, the big tub of popcorn that has, like, the different… chocolate and caramel… I killed a couple of those, and it's like, I'll start fuc***g with a tin of fu***ng some shit over Christmas. Servings are 84 servings. Killed this thing in two nights.'
But once he returned to training, this approach changed, and he focused on getting in shape to come back to the ring.
As a result, Orton finally made his return at Survivor Series 2023 in Chicago to team up with Cody Rhodes, Sami Zayn, and Seth Rollins to face The Judgment Day and Drew McIntyre. And ever since returning, 'The Viper' has been a prominent face on the blue brand.
Moreover, fans noticed that Orton's physique was different than before. He carried more muscle than usual and was billed at around 275-290 pounds, which is a 25-pound increase from his previous weight of 245 pounds. Now, Orton will face McIntyre at Saturday Night's Main Event on July 12 in Atlanta.
Also read:
Randy Orton set to clash against returning superstar at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event
For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the
India vs England Test match
here.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
It's confirmed! Singer Gummy is expecting her second child with husband Jo Jung Suk
One of the most popular singers in the entertainment industry, Gummy , is expecting her second child! The idol, who got married to Jo Jung Suk in 2018, issued a statement saying she is already in the second trimester of pregnancy Gummy announces second pregnancy According to reports from Xports News, the star is expecting her second child with her husband, Jo Jung Suk. The couple already has a daughter, whom they welcomed in 2020. Their respective companies have issued a joint statement confirming the news, according to Soompi. The official statement read, 'It is true that Jo Jung-suk and Gummy are expecting their second child. As this is still early in the pregnancy, we ask that you watch over them with blessings and care'. Gummy on pregnancy and being a mother The idol has also previously shared her thoughts on being a mother and how everything has been for her so far. In a 2023 broadcast of the popular variety show 'Newsroom', she talked about her daughter and how motherhood has changed things for her. She revealed singing songs for her daughter all the time. She also added that her daughter is taking on her father's 'characteristics and personality'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo About Jung Suk and Gummy's relationship Gummy is a well-known singer who has been active in the industry since 2003 with her debut album 'Like Them', and the title track 'Memory Loss'. Ever since then, she has managed to steadily climb up the success ladder in the industry. She is mainly known for her OSTs in various popular dramas. Jo Jung Suk is a popular actor who has been in the industry for quite some time now. He is a prolific actor and has featured in some major roles such as 'Architecture 101', 'The Legend of the Blue Sea', and 'Hospital Playlist'. His latest project is a comedic take on the zombie apocalypse genre, titled ' My Daughter is a Zombie'. The two have been together since 2013, and in 2015, after dating for two years, they made their relationship public. Their fan were elated by the news. Thereafter, by 2018, they announced that the two would officially be getting married in a private ceremony.


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Director Aanand L Rai DOES NOT support AI-modified ‘Raanjhanaa'; calls it a 'betrayal' of the film's heart and soul: 'None of us were heard'
Aanand L Rai has finally spoken up about the AI-edited version of his 2013 cult classic 'Raanjhanaa', calling it both 'devastating' and 'deeply upsetting'. The film, which starred Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor , holds a special place in many hearts, but the director was shocked to find it had been altered to re-release without his knowledge. Rai took to Instagram and shared a behind-the-scenes photo of Dhanush and Sonam from the original shoot. Alongside the photo, he poured his heart out in a long note, criticising the use of AI to change a film that was made with human passion and teamwork. 'Reckless takeover' without permission He wrote, 'The past three weeks have been surreal, and deeply upsetting. To watch Raanjhanaa, a film born out of care, conflict, collaboration, and creative risk, be altered, repackaged, and re-released without my knowledge or consent has been nothing short of devastating. What makes it worse is the complete ease and casualness with which it's been done.' Calls AI version a 'reckless takeover' Rai stated firmly, 'I do not support or endorse the AI-altered version of Raanjhanaa. It is unauthorised. I had no role in it. Neither did the team that made the film. And whatever it claims to be, it is not the film we intended, or made.' He continued, 'This was never just a film to us. It was shaped by human hands, human flaws, and human feeling. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buying a Luxury Villa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo What's now being circulated is not a tribute. It is a reckless takeover that strips the work of its intent, its context, and its soul. ' AI edit called 'a betrayal' The director didn't just stop there. He expressed how hurtful it is that a machine could change a film's meaning and present it as something new and creative. He wrote, 'The idea that our work can be taken and modified by a machine, then dressed up as innovation, is deeply disrespectful. To cloak a film's emotional legacy in a synthetic cape without consent is not a creative act. It's an abject betrayal of everything we built. ' Fans and industry offer support Even though the situation has been tough, Rai found some peace in the love and support from the audience and his fellow creators. He shared, 'In the middle of all this, the support and solidarity from the industry, our audiences, and the larger creative community has reminded me of what Raanjhanaa stood for in the first place—connection, courage, and truth. I'm deeply grateful for that.' No team members were told Rai made it very clear that not one person from the original team had any idea this AI version was being made. He spoke on behalf of the whole cast and crew, including the writer, composer, lyricist and actors, asking fans to recognise the true heart of 'Raanjhanaa'. He ended his statement with, ' I'm speaking for everyone who helped bring this film to life. The writer, actors, composer, lyricist, editor, technicians, and larger crew. None of us were consulted. None of us were heard. If Raanjhanaa meant something to you, as it did to us, please know that this AI-altered version does not reflect who we were. Nor does it carry the spirit of the film we made.'


Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Triple H entertains White House with signature spit move as he hails Donald Trump's Fitness Test revival: WATCH
Triple H. Image via: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Triple H brought a splash of WWE flair to the White House this week. The wrestling legend and current Chief Content Officer of WWE, whose real name is Paul Levesque , joined President Donald Trump on Thursday for a major announcement, the revival of the Presidential Fitness Test. But it was Triple H's iconic water spit entrance move on the White House steps that stole the show, creating a huge buzz on social media. Triple H joins Donald Trump's mission to 'Make America Fit Again' Donald Trump and Triple H. Image via: White House/ X In a ceremony held in the Roosevelt Room, President Trump signed an executive order reestablishing the Presidential Fitness Test and expanding the President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition. The move is aimed at fighting declining youth fitness by bringing structured physical education back into American schools. Trump introduced Triple H with glowing praise, calling him 'a man who you're not going to mess around with.' He added, 'It's a great honor to have [him],' acknowledging Levesque's influence both in and outside the ring. Levesque, a 14-time WWE world champion and a key figure in youth sports advocacy, reflected the importance of encouraging fitness in the younger generation. His brief remarks focused on instilling lifelong habits of health and physical activity. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Surprising Benefits of This Sweet Little Fruit — You'll Want to Eat It Every Day! Learn More Undo But then came the viral moment. As Triple H exited the White House, he performed his legendary water spit pose, just like during his wrestling entrances. The White House shared the video with the caption, 'ARE YOU READY… TO MAKE AMERICA FIT AGAIN,' a clever nod to his catchphrase and Trump's familiar slogan. Several athletes and prominent figures appeared at the White House for Donald Trump's fitness campaign Levesque wasn't alone at the high-profile event. A-list athletes, including two-time major golf champion Bryson DeChambeau, Pro Football Hall of Famer Lawrence Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and golf icon Annika Sorenstam, also attended. DeChambeau will chair the expanded council. The new executive order also charges the council with addressing pressing issues in college sports, including the transfer portal and athlete compensation. Trump's long-time interest in sports was clear as he linked physical fitness with American excellence. 'This is a wonderful tradition, and we're bringing it back,' he said, referring to the test that had been discontinued during the Obama administration. Also Read: Will the Final Boss return for SummerSlam 2025? WWE fans are curious about The Rock's whereabouts FAQs Why was Triple H at the White House? He joined President Trump for the announcement of the revived Presidential Fitness Test. Did Triple H do his WWE entrance at the White House? Yes, he performed his iconic water spit move on the White House steps. What is the goal of the new Presidential Fitness Test? To combat declining youth fitness through structured physical activity in schools. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!