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Last week, the WWE revealed that Randy Orton would not be able to compete at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. Needless to say, it shocked many who were expecting the third-generation performer to play a substantial role this time of the year.
To explain "The Apex Predator's" foreseeable absence, WWE.com cited a concussion sustained at the "hands" of Daniel Bryan, who used his belt as a bludgeon on the February 13 edition of Raw.
While Orton did, in fact, suffer a concussion, it wasn't Bryan's fault; that explanation was only for storyline purposes.
According to The Wrestling Observer Newsletter—via 24wrestling.com—the injury actually happened when Orton gave The Big Show the "RKO" on the second try (the first attempt was botched). Upon completion of his patented finishing move, Orton was slow to get up, clutched the back of his head and seemed to struggle with his balance.
Apparently, even when "The Viper" walked back to the dressing room, nobody had the slightest idea he was concussed.
Ultimately, although the company hopes to see Orton return soon, fans will have to wait until at least February 27 to see him back in the ring. That's when, per WWE.com, he'll be reevaluated and either be medically cleared or ordered to get more rest.
Coincidentally, Orton's recent head injury comes in the wake of the recent news (h/t LordsOfPain.net) that the nine-time world champion has learned not to take concussions lightly.
Orton's decision to become more proactive about his health is described by former WWE cohort Chris Nowinski, whose career ended prematurely due to post-concussion syndrome:
"A guy like Randy Orton just didn't buy into it, and I ran into him in March, and he started talking about his concussion experiences and he was like, 'Gosh I didn't know it was that bad.' He is an advocate for himself now to take time off and so it's interesting to see this turn."
It's quite possible that if Orton was of the same persuasion a few years ago, he could be foolhardily pushing himself beyond the symptoms of his most recent concussion.
His newfound shift represents forward progress in athletes who appeal to rationality over ego and peer pressure to make honest assessments about their bodies.
Hopefully, in the near future, more and more will shed their macho bluster and become knowledgeable about the repercussions that result from jolts to the brain.
source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1072695-wwe-news-how-randy-orton-really-suffered-his-injury-timetable-for-return?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=wwe
