Randy Orton's Character Adjustments Will Make Him a Better Babyface

After weeks of buildup, the Randy Orton babyface turn has happened, and it's so much better than it sounds.

Common knowledge dictates that Orton simply doesn't work as a babyface. His previous run as a good guy quickly soured as the naturally salty star appeared uncomfortable in a limited role of pandering do-gooder.

Like many of his peers, Orton himself has admitted he prefers working as a heel. The role suits his angry disposition, ring psychology and endless comparisons to snakes. Keeping Orton heel just because it suits him, however, is lazy and has contributed to extended stagnation of his character, as WWE has done little else with him creatively.

In recent months as a token member of The Authority, Orton struggled through the same creative funk that doomed him as a babyface—except this time, smiling and playing nice with fans couldn't be blamed.

But as tension with The Authority led to an inevitable confrontation to end Raw this past Monday, fans came unhinged in support of Orton. His role as a babyface was now shrewdly sprinkled with shades of grey, and it is working better than anyone could have imagined.

Now, Orton isn't so much of a pandering do-gooder as he is an embittered anti-hero. Juxtaposed with entitled sellout Seth Rollins, fans have no choice but to side with Orton—and they have made this choice in unison.

This is a more authentic version of good Randy, as fans could connect with him vicariously through his problem with authority as well as his rebellion against being phased out in favor of the younger, fresher newcomer.

Wild chants of "Randy" broke out during multiple segments featuring Orton and his continued rampage against his former colleague.

A show-ending injury angle that saw Orton stretchered out of the First Niagara Center in Buffalo, New York, will only make him more coveted upon returning.

Orton is heating up once again because of minor changes to his character and major changes to his promos.

Gone are the monotonous monologues that have come to define him as a one-dimensional character in the past. Instead, Orton has sped up his delivery, going for more of a stream-of-consciousness, erratic style that cannot be interrupted with cheers, boos or pesky "what" chants.

Fans are simply forced to listen as Orton keeps his rants short, sweet and infuriated. It's simply magnetic.

The new Randy seems to have much more promise than any of the old Randys. Whether it be Randy from Evolution, Legacy, The Authority or even on his own as a lost performer with unwavering supreme in-ring talent.

He's finally put the whole package together and seems destined to continue a prime that will only get better with rage.

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