How Randy Orton Could Walk Away Untouched After Nailing an RKO on Nick Aldis

Randy Orton might’ve just pulled off one of the smartest plays in WWE history. After delivering a shocking RKO to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis on live TV, many fans expected serious repercussions. But it turns out The Viper already covered his tracks—two years ago.

Following the news that Kevin Owens is out of WrestleMania 41 due to neck surgery, Orton was reportedly furious. This could very well be his last WrestleMania, and with no opponent lined up, he took out his frustration in the most Orton way possible—an RKO to authority.

But here’s where things get wild. Back in 2023, when Orton first jumped to SmackDown, he also dropped Aldis with an RKO and was slapped with a $50,000 fine. When it came time to pay up, he doubled it. Why? According to Orton himself, it was for the next time.

Yep, Orton paid $100,000 in advance—just to get away with doing it again. And he waited two whole years for the perfect moment.

That foresight means Nick Aldis can’t fine him again, making the punishment already served. Orton doesn’t just walk away clean—he walks away smarter. With his WrestleMania match scrapped, Orton has nothing to lose, and this may have been his way of making sure fans—and management—don’t forget about him.

What do you think about Orton paying a fine two years in advance to get away with an RKO? Was it genius or just typical Orton chaos? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.