In an interview with the Charlotte Observer, former WWE Champion Randy Orton says he hopes to follow a different path than industry veterans like Ric Flair.
Though he does not mention “The Nature Boy” by name in the relevant quote, it is clear that Orton does not believe wrestlers like Flair epitomize his ideal wrestling legacy.
“I don’t want to put myself in a position where financially I need to perform when I’m 60 or 50 or even in my mid-40s. There will be a time when I’m a dad of two or three and I just want to be at home with my family,” says Orton.
Orton nonetheless praises Flair’s contribution to his success as a WWE performer.
He offers, “He was one of my mentors when I started. If it wasn’t for him and Triple H and my father [former wrestler Cowboy Bob Orton], I wouldn’t be where I am now.”