Randy Orton Explains Why He Hates That Kayfabe Is Dead

Randy Orton isn’t sugarcoating it — he hates the fact that kayfabe is dead in the world of pro wrestling now.

While WWE Hall of Famer D-Von Dudley recently criticized WWE Unreal for exposing too much of the business, Orton has now weighed in with his own take. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on February 26, 2026, The Viper admitted that while he understands why the curtain has been pulled back, he doesn’t necessarily like it.

Orton acknowledged that the industry has dramatically changed from the days when wrestlers protected the illusion at all costs: “It’s hard. It depends on the time of day you ask me.” He explained that in the past, wrestlers committed fully to their on-screen roles — even outside the arena.

“At first, you think, ‘Oh, this is terrible,’ because there was a time when if you were working with a guy — I’m the bad guy and he’s the good guy — we might be bros, but we wouldn’t ride together, even if we wanted to. We wouldn’t be seen in public together, especially not in the town we were wrestling in.”

Now, he says, that separation barely exists, and he absolutely hates the fact that kayfabe is truly dead.

“Nowadays, it’s not like that at all. Kayfabe is dead. It’s entertainment. We’re all superstars. I understand it — and I also kind of hate it. But I think it’s necessary.”

Unlike D-Von, who believes exposing the inner workings can hurt the business, Orton sees both sides. He admitted that shows like WWE Unreal can actually help grow the audience and earn respect for what performers do.

“Bringing in that crossover — like you said, your daughter gets to see it and understand it. People who aren’t fans might become fans and have more respect for what we do. If you don’t know what goes into it and then you watch WWE Unreal and realize, ‘Oh my God — live TV almost every day of the week?’ It’s insane when you think about the amount of content that’s put out.”

Still, even if he understands the upside, Orton didn’t pretend he’s fully comfortable with it. He even admitted it felt strange seeing himself on the show in behind-the-scenes moments.

“So I think it makes sense that it’s a thing. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it. I watched a few episodes and saw myself in the background doing stuff, and I was like… ehhhh.”

With WWE Unreal Season 3 set for Summer 2026, the divide between old-school mystique and modern transparency continues to lead to debate inside the industry. Orton may accept that kayfabe is gone — but he’s clearly not celebrating its death.

Do you think exposing the business helps WWE grow, or does it take away the magic that made wrestling special in the first place? Let us know your thoughts.

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