Randy Orton has a far more important role than just being a WWE Superstar, claims former champion: "He's one of the all-time greats"

A former WWE champion recently discussed SmackDown star Randy Orton's important role in the Stamford-based promotion. The name in question is Ryback.

Since signing with WWE in 2000, Orton has become one of the biggest names in the company. He has feuded with some of the greatest stars in the pro wrestling world, including John Cena, Triple H, and Batista. The Viper is still competing at the highest level, as he recently faced Gunther in the King of the Ring Tournament finals.

During a recent edition of Ryback TV, the former WWE Intercontinental Champion was full of praise for Randy Orton. The 42-year-old said that he had nothing but respect for The Legend Killer and believed the latter always treated people nicely backstage.

"Randy [Orton] is a straight-up guy. We follow each other still. He was one of the people that messaged me when I walked out. A lot [of people] did but he was one of the bigger names that did, very kind words on that and I've always had nothing but great respect for him. I think he's one of the all-time greats but he's one of the all-time greats behind the scenes in the sense that his status in the ring does not determine how he treats people backstage," he said.

Ryback also mentioned that, although there were some negative stories about Orton when he was younger, the former WWE star never experienced anything like that.

"Whatever the stories were however he maybe was when he was younger, I don't know, that was never my experience with him. He was always like straight up and nice, man, and maybe that [was] when he had calmed down but I never think he was as bad as whatever they tried to make him. He was always cool." [From 00:01 to 00:47]

Check out the video below:

Randy Orton believes his WWE World Heavyweight Championship record will not be broken

During an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda Wrestling's Senior Editor Bill Apter, Randy Orton said that he believed his record of being the youngest World Heavyweight Champion in WWE would not be broken for quite some time.

"As far as someone becoming the youngest World Heavyweight Champion and taking that from me, I don't see that happening, only because I think it was a very special circumstance when I became the youngest world champion. I was 24 years old, and I don't know if there's anyone young enough to make it to that yet, so I think I'm gonna hold that for quite some time, if not from here on out," Orton said.

Check out the interview below: