Randy Orton shared a heartfelt message for Rey Mysterio through social media, offering rare insight into their friendship. The comment appeared on an Instagram birthday post by Mysterio’s daughter Aalyah, celebrating the WWE Hall of Famer’s 50th birthday on Wednesday.
“Your father is a real man, and a great friend. Blessed to know the guy,” wrote Orton on Aalyah’s post, breaking his usual social media silence.
The 14-time world champion has been absent from WWE programming since November 8, when Kevin Owens sidelined him with a Piledriver on SmackDown. This interaction marks one of Orton’s few public communications during his current hiatus.
A legacy of memorable encounters
The relationship between Orton and Mysterio extends beyond mere respect, rooted in their numerous in-ring encounters. Their most notable clash came at WrestleMania 22, where they competed in a triple threat match alongside Kurt Angle.
The timing of Orton’s message coincides with speculation about his return to WWE television. With the Royal Rumble approaching, many anticipate The Viper’s comeback could align with the annual event, potentially setting up new storylines with current roster members, including Mysterio.
While both performers have evolved significantly since their early encounters, their mutual respect has remained constant. Orton’s message not only celebrates Mysterio’s milestone birthday but also provides a glimpse into the personal bonds formed throughout their careers.