Hey everyone, let me tell you a story that completely changed my perspective on one of WWE's most iconic figures. When I think of Randy Orton, I immediately picture the RKO out of nowhere, the intense promos, and the cold, calculating Viper persona. But what I've recently learned, straight from a conversation with Cody Rhodes, is that outside the squared circle, Orton has a whole other passion that's consumed hundreds of hours of his life: the brutal, beautiful world of FromSoftware's Elden Ring. It turns out that the 14-time World Heavyweight Champion isn't just a casual player; he's a dedicated Tarnished who has poured an astounding 600 hours into exploring the Lands Between. This revelation completely flips the script on the old dynamic between him and Rhodes, who was once the known gaming enthusiast of the two.
The Gamer Role Reversal 🎮
In the podcast, Orton reminisced with a laugh, saying, "I used to give you grief about being a gamer." He was talking directly to Cody Rhodes. It's a fascinating role reversal. Back in the day, Rhodes was the one known for his video game fervor. His passion was so profound that he even sported wrestling boots decorated with the iconic Triforce symbol from The Legend of Zelda. Rhodes' dedication was recognized officially when he appeared in a Nintendo video celebrating the series' 25th anniversary. Fast forward to today, and it's Orton who has fully embraced the controller. He declared with unapologetic enthusiasm, "Oh, I absolutely love Elden Ring." His journey into gaming deepened significantly after his spinal fusion surgery, a period of forced recuperation that seemingly opened the door to this new obsession. Even after his triumphant return to the ring in late 2025, he's made a concerted effort to stay current with the game and its expansive DLC content.
The Notorious Level-Up Strategy 💰
Now, here's where the story gets even more interesting for us fans. Orton's approach to progression in Elden Ring wasn't purely about grinding. Eagle-eyed followers might recall the buzz from a few years back when it was revealed that The Viper took a... let's say, accelerated path. During a livestream, some associates shared that Orton had confessed to paying someone a cool $1,000 to farm enough Runes to boost his character straight to level 100. That's right, he essentially hired a co-op partner for a major power-leveling session! Back in 2022, he mentioned being at an incredible level 527. While it's unclear if he continued to pay for progression beyond that initial investment, it's likely he used that head start as a springboard, then dedicated his own substantial playtime to explore, conquer bosses, and delve deeper into the game's rich lore. Whether you consider it savvy or controversial, combining that initial boost with 600 hours of personal playtime shows a multifaceted commitment to the game.
What His Gaming Passion Reveals
Thinking about this, I find it incredibly relatable. Here’s a man at the pinnacle of physical competition finding solace and challenge in a digital one. Elden Ring is no walk in the park; it demands patience, strategy, and resilience—qualities Orton has in spades inside the ring. His journey mirrors that of any dedicated player: seeking help when stuck (albeit in a very grand fashion), investing time to master mechanics, and finding genuine joy in the exploration and conquest. It breaks down the larger-than-life persona and shows a shared, human experience. In 2026, as he continues to perform at the highest level in WWE, it's cool to know he's also navigating the ever-evolving challenges of the Lands Between, a testament to his competitive spirit transcending mediums.
| Aspect of Fandom | Randy Orton's Approach |
|---|---|
| Time Invested | 600+ hours (a serious commitment!) |
| Progression Style | Hybrid: Paid power-leveling boost + extensive personal play |
| Public Stance | Openly enthusiastic and unashamed |
| Catalyst | Recovery from spinal fusion surgery |
| Latest Endeavor | Keeping up with the game and DLC post-2025 return |
So, the next time you see Randy Orton slithering down the ramp, remember there's a high-level Tarnished beneath that wrestling gear. His story is a perfect reminder that passions can surprise us, roles can reverse, and even legends need an escape—sometimes into a world as punishing and rewarding as the one they rule. Whether he's plotting an RKO or facing a demigod, the drive to overcome is unmistakably the same. 🐍✨