WWE Smackdown: Is the Perfect Spot for Randy Orton Just Below the Main Event?

Randy Orton is no stranger to the WWE’s main event scene. His first stint in the main event came in 2004 when he defeated Chris Benoit to become the youngest world heavyweight champion in history.

After losing the title about a month later, Orton wouldn’t taste main event gold again until 2007. Between 2007 and 2011, Orton would engage in high profile feuds with the likes of John Cena, Triple H and Christian. However, has Randy Orton really proven that he is most effective as a main eventer?

Since establishing himself as a true main event caliber wrestler back in 2007, Orton hasn’t had very many memorable main event feuds. Yes, his rivalry with John Cena was one that extended over a few years and they had a handful of great matches. However, it wasn’t too long before many fans soured on the feud, claiming that it had become “stale.”

In my opinion, as a fan, Orton’s only exceptional main event feud has been his feud with Christian from this summer. Although the WWE flopped on Christian’s heel turn, the two had a good story behind their rivalry and had an excellent series of matches. Orton vs. Christian was certainly a highlight of Smackdown in 2011.

If anything, this past year has proven that Randy Orton is most valuable when in a spot right beneath the main event. Between his feuds with CM Punk, Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett, he has had some excellent programs outside the main event.

In the case of his WrestleMania feud with CM Punk, they had a stellar story that culminated in an amazing WrestleMania match.

What's more, Orton has proven to be very valuable when it comes to establishing younger wrestlers.

In the past few months, Orton has feuded with both Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett. Rhodes didn’t dominate Orton in their feud, but he came out looking stronger by the time it was done.

Aside from that recent feud, Orton has also played a part in grooming Rhodes to be a future star through his partnership with him in Legacy years ago. Orton has also helped reestablish Barrett by being the most recent victim of the “Barrett Barrage.”

Randy Orton has had an illustrious WWE career, highlighted by nine world championships and a victory in the 2009 Royal Rumble. However, it’s his work outside the main event that has been the most fun to watch.

In my opinion, Orton is most valuable when it comes to putting over younger heels. While he may be better off just below the main event scene, he wouldn’t be nearly as valuable in that position if it weren’t for all his time as a main eventer.

And when it comes time for Orton to main event again, he won’t be stale like John Cena.