Randy Orton is currently one of WWE’s most popular babyfaces — but how long will that last?
The vast majority of Orton’s near two-and-a-half decade career has been spent as a heel, and seeds are clearly being planted for him to return to his natural role.
It appears Orton’s current alliance with Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes is destined to implode – likely before the end of the year – and feuding with Rhodes could once again see Orton recruit his own faction.
Just as he did with Legacy — the group that first introduced Rhodes to WWE programming — we could see Orton look to WWE’s younger stars, perhaps several names from NXT, to form a new generation of allies.
6. Oba Femi
Oba Femi has impressed this year on NXT programming.
The 27-year-old enjoyed a dominant run as NXT Champion and, more importantly, has developed into an effective big man — combining presence and charisma with an explosive, power-based moveset.
Femi looks more than ready for WWE’s main roster, and the fact he hasn’t wrestled on NXT television since losing the title to Ricky Saints last month suggests that call-up could be coming very soon.
Every faction needs an enforcer, and this is a role Femi could play perfectly.
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5. Austin Theory
Austin Theory was recently rumoured to be part of this year’s Survivor Series WarGames match, joining The Vision.
Plans have since changed due to Seth Rollins’ recent shoulder injury, though The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer has reported that Theory — whether or not he joins the new-look Vision — remains in line for a push.
If he isn’t placed alongside Bron Breakker, Paul Heyman, and Bronson Reed, where could WWE go with the 28-year-old?
In the past, Randy Orton has spoken highly of Theory as a young star with major potential — and given that, there’s every possibility an eventual Orton-led faction could feature Theory as one of its key members.
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4. Ethan Page
NXT North American Champion Ethan Page has been turning heads recently, putting in standout in-ring performances — including critically praised bouts against Mustafa Ali and El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.
His pairing with Chelsea Green — who he’s again set to team with on WWE’s Mexican promotion AAA — has also reportedly earned backstage support for an imminent main roster call-up as a duo.
Rather than being slotted into a comedic act, could the Canadian star be given a genuine push and placed in a new heel Randy Orton faction?
Page is a despicable, thoroughly unlikable heel — his inclusion in any potential group would feel entirely justified.
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3. Lexis King
Arriving from AEW, Lexis King was given a concerted push on NXT programming.
Recently, however, the 32-year-old has featured irregularly, suggesting the company currently has few concrete plans for him — despite a strong showing against El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. on the 7 October edition of NXT.
The son of the legendary Brian Pillman has both the legacy and charisma to slot naturally into a new Randy Orton faction.
A key to his success, however, could be giving him back his family name — allowing Brian Pillman Jr. to continue his father’s legacy on WWE’s main roster.
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2. Charlie Dempsey
Speaking of carrying on a family legacy, WWE NXT star Charlie Dempsey is doing just that.
The son of William Regal is following in his father’s footsteps as a world-travelling wrestler, currently on hiatus from NXT while touring WWE’s Japanese partner promotion, Pro Wrestling NOAH.
Already a polished in-ring technician, he looks more than ready for the main roster.
Dempsey would be a perfect fit for a new Randy Orton “Legacy” faction — and giving him the Regal name could make that connection even stronger.
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1. Myles Borne
WWE NXT star Myles Borne has been compared to a young Randy Orton.
The comparisons aren’t unfounded — Borne has liberally borrowed from Orton’s moveset and look.
Orton himself has acknowledged the 26-year-old, praising him in interviews.
The only question mark over Borne joining a potential Orton faction is that, unlike Orton, he appears a natural babyface — although his all-black attire at the recent Halloween Havoc PLE could be foreshadowing a heel turn.
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