The Daily Star in the UK has an interview up with WWE Champion Randy Orton. Here are some highlights.
On criticism that he had a bad attitude earlier in his career:
“I did have a couple of issues starting out with being a hot-head. I wasn’t too much of a big-head. I didn’t think I was all that special. I got upset pretty quick if I was dealing with pushy fans after shows or stuck in a long line at the airport. Hey! Maybe I did think I was a little bit special!”
On helping Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase:
“Now Cody and Ted’s careers are effectively in my hands. They have some degree of control too, but the fact is if I go back to old selfish ways it’s not gonna help them at all. When I was in Evolution, every once in a while Trip and Flair would give me a chance, they’d throw me a bone, like letting me do my fi nish on TV or letting me let me stop Goldberg or Steiner backstage. They’d let me do something big or say something on TV and they slowly built my confidence until I could handle a full day’s work. Cody and Ted had a big day at RAW on Monday and were involved in loads of segments. I see a lot of me in them when I was their age. I think they’ll do well.”
On handling his career differently now:
“I’m not doing too badly, I suppose. The older I get the more mature I get, but I have such an opportunity as a father and a husband as well as a champion. I realize I’ve only got one shot at this and I want to look back and be proud of my accomplishments. I want the WWE and the boys in the back to be proud of their champion. My dad had a schedule unlike ours today, just the same as Ted Dibiase’s dad, and Cody Rhodes’s dad. They were gone two months at a time. I’m gone maybe four or five days at a time and I’m home at least a couple of days a week. I’m at home now. If we tour overseas I’m gone for maybe two weeks at worst, but then we get extra days off. WWE are very good about family and getting us home. I think I’m better off than most typical husbands and fathers who work nine to fi ve – I get to see my family for two full days a week at least.”
To check out the full interview, click here.