WWE icon Randy Orton reminisces about a significant match from two decades ago when Mick Foley came out of retirement to face him.
In 2003-04, Mick Foley ignited a feud with Evolution, particularly focusing on Randy Orton, leading to a showdown at WrestleMania XX.
Following their loss at the event, their rivalry escalated onto RAW, culminating in a hardcore match at Backlash for the Intercontinental Championship.
Reflecting on this milestone bout, Orton expressed his admiration for Foley’s decision to return from retirement specifically to work with him, highlighting the significance of their encounter.
“I thought it was really special for Mick Foley to come out of retirement just to work with me at Backlash. This was a month after I just picked up a win against The Rock and Mick Foley at WrestleMania 20 in Madison Square Garden, and I’m flying high, man,”
Orton recalled.
Following his victory over Foley, Orton continued his ascent in WWE, transitioning into one of the promotion’s most prominent villains.
This momentum led him to capture the Intercontinental Title, followed by a historic win at SummerSlam 2004, where he became the youngest World Heavyweight Champion.
Despite subsequent ups and downs, including losing the championship shortly after, Orton’s career trajectory remained impressive. He went on to secure numerous world title reigns and establish himself as one of the premier antagonists in wrestling history, solidifying his place as a future WWE Hall of Famer.
