A mind-boggling lapse in security allowed a crazed WWE fan to attack Randy Orton at Tuesday’s live event in South Africa.
As Orton climbed the turnbuckle to celebrate his win over Big E Langston, a male fan managed to sneak by security and enter the ring. The fan slowly crept behind Orton before delivering a Ric Flair-style low blow between the defenseless Orton’s legs.
Both hurt and caught off guard by the blow, Orton stumbled to the mat. Security personnel quickly restrained the fan, and Orton managed to connect with a retaliatory kick to the head as they pulled him out of the ring.
“Randy Orton was violently attacked by an audience member during a SmackDown World Tour Live Event in Cape Town, South Africa, this evening,” said WWE in a statement. “Footage of the attack was captured by a WWE fan and posted to YouTube, and shows the perpetrator striking Orton from behind. The matter is currently under investigation by the local authorities, and the South African fan is being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton’s injuries are unknown at this time.”
In addition to its statement, WWE also shared a version of the video that omitted Orton’s kick. YouTube user WWEPPV1g, however, posted a more complete video: