Randy Orton, a figure synonymous with danger and ruthlessness in WWE, recently squared off against Carmelo Hayes on SmackDown in Barcelona. However, wrestling veteran Vince Russo believes the match could have been elevated with a more controversial and personal angle: involving Orton’s wife, Kim Orton, who was present at ringside.
During a recent episode of Sportskeeda Wrestling’s “BroDown,” Russo argued that Carmelo Hayes should have crossed a line by directly targeting Kim Orton, thus provoking the Legend Killer’s wrath.
Russo’s Suggestion: A Personal Provocation
Russo’s creative suggestion centered on Carmelo Hayes verbally attacking Kim Orton before the match, adding a layer of personal animosity to the contest.
“Go after his wife!” Russo stated. “Hayes should have insulted Kim in a promo before the match against her husband.”
This approach, Russo believes, would have created a more intense and emotionally charged atmosphere.
The Logic Behind Russo’s Angle: Heightening the Drama
Russo’s suggestion is rooted in the belief that personal attacks and family involvement can significantly heighten the drama in wrestling storylines.
- Personal Animosity: Targeting Kim Orton would have transformed the match from a simple contest into a personal vendetta.
- Emotional Investment: It would have created a strong emotional connection with the audience, who would be invested in seeing Orton defend his wife’s honor.
- Heel Heat: Hayes would have generated significant “heel heat” (negative audience reaction), establishing him as a truly despicable character.
- Orton’s Intensity: It would have provided a legitimate reason for Orton to unleash his most brutal and intense side.
The Actual SmackDown Segment: A Standard Confrontation
The actual SmackDown segment saw Orton defeat Hayes in a singles match, followed by a post-match attack and a rescue by Kevin Owens. While effective, it followed a more standard wrestling storyline.
- Straightforward Match: The match itself was a typical wrestling contest, with Orton showcasing his dominance.
- Post-Match Attack: The attack by Orton and the rescue by Owens served to further the ongoing feud between Orton and Owens.
- Standard Build: It followed a standard wrestling build, with a physical confrontation leading to a potential future match.
The Potential Impact of Russo’s Angle:
Russo’s alternative angle could have potentially generated more controversy and intrigue.
- Social Media Buzz: A personal attack on Kim Orton would have created a social media firestorm, with fans debating the ethics of such an angle.
- Increased Viewership: The controversy could have drawn in more viewers, curious to see the fallout.
- Memorable Moment: It could have created a truly memorable and shocking moment.
The Importance of Creative Risk:
Russo’s suggestion highlights the importance of taking creative risks in wrestling storytelling.
- Pushing Boundaries: It encourages writers to push boundaries and explore unconventional angles.
- Creating Emotional Reactions: It demonstrates how personal attacks can elicit strong emotional reactions from the audience.
- Generating Controversy: It acknowledges that controversy can be a powerful tool for generating interest.
Why This Matters:
- Wrestling Storytelling: This article explores the creative process behind wrestling storylines.
- Fan Engagement: It highlights the importance of fan speculation and discussion.
- Creative Differences: It showcases the creative differences among wrestling personalities.
- Controversial Angles: It offers an example of how controversial angles can be used to generate heat.
Vince Russo’s suggestion of Carmelo Hayes attacking Randy Orton’s wife offers a controversial but potentially effective alternative to the standard SmackDown segment. It highlights the importance of creative risk-taking and the potential for personal attacks to elevate wrestling storylines.
