Randy Orton says he wants to model his career after Ric Flair in the future

Ric Flair is arguably one of the greatest pro wrestlers to ever step foot inside the WWE ring. The Hall of Famer has been in the industry for almost 5 decades now.

And he doesn’t look like slowing down anytime. He gave up fighting inside the ring long back but is still a part of the show in various capacities.

He is often involved in storylines with his daughter, Charlotte Flair, with the most recent one being in a storyline with Charlotte and Lacey Evans. And on the sides, he maintains his status as a fashion icon.

And speaking to Kurt Angle on his podcast (h/t ewrestling.com, transcribed by 411mania), Randy Orton, a legend himself, says he admires the love Flair has for the company despite being retired now.

“I saw Ric Flair and we actually rode from the hotel together. I asked him if he was doing something on the show, and he goes, ‘Oh no. Hell, Randy, I love coming around and seeing the guys and seeing you talk and put your stuff together. I love talking to some guys.’ He said the comradery and that he loves this business and being around it. If Charlotte wasn’t there, he would’ve been there anyway. I like that attitude. I like that he looks at this industry and can say that it’s made me happy and gave me so much and made so many other people happy because of what he did in the ring.”

Randy Orton wants to model his career after Ric Flair

And adding to that, Orton mentioned how he also wants to have love for the promotion and wants to visit the sets and arenas like Flair does now.

“I want to feel like that too. I feel like he’s happy and content. Made many mistakes, but also, made many positive situations and positive moments for fans millions of times over. I’d love to be in his shoes one day and be happy with my body of work and just kind of sit back and be grandpa and watch the grandkids play. That’s all I need to be.”

‘The Viper’ is currently just 41 years old which is amazing because it feels like he has been here forever. It’s probably because of the fact that he signed with WWE as a 21-year-old back in 2001.

But to get to the stage where ‘The Nature Boy’ currently is in his career, Orton would take a lot of years. And that is said with all due respect.

That means earning the respect, accolades and, a legacy for himself by the time he can think of retiring from pro wrestling altogether.

More WWE News:

• Rey Mysterio helped ‘uncomfortable’ Randy Orton go through with Eddie Guerrero death storyline
• Mickie James takes parting shot at Stephanie McMahon over trash bag release
• Report highlights why Sasha Banks has been missing from WWE since WM 37

Follow our dedicated WWE page for instant WWE news and updates