In an interview last month with Bill Apter, Randy Orton talked about the differences in WWE since Vince McMahon departed.
Noting the change in philosophy on the road schedule, the former WWE Champion said:
Off the top of my head — and, listen, I love Vince, he gave me so many opportunities. But I think it was kind of time for him to move on. It’s unfortunate that it happened in the way that it happened. But it’s nice having people in charge of me that understand how important it is for you to be home for birthdays, and home for Thanksgiving, and home for Christmas.
Orton would go on to recount talking to the former chairman about a break needed for rest, and McMahon’s reaction:
Vince McMahon, he had Raw on Monday night live. He doesn’t care if you had kids. I came to him when I was 35 and my back really started going and I pleaded with him like, ‘Man, I got to like not do as many shows, maybe do half the tour and be able to recover.’ And he just looked at me and was like, ‘Oh, I need you on those shows, Randy. Mother Nature gets us all.’ And to hear that and go, ‘Ok, well I guess there’s no other thing I can do other than just wear myself out down to the nub until I can’t walk anymore for this man.’
McMahon resigned from WWE and its parent company, TKO Group Holdings, in January in the wake of a lawsuit filed against him by Janel Grant following allegations of sexual and emotional abuse.
Orton returned to the company for WWE Survivor Series 2023, most recently competing in the King of the Ring tournament before losing to Gunther in the finals in Saudi Arabia.
Source: F4WOnline