Wwe Almost Scrapped Randy Orton’s Strike First Rko T-Shirt

The WWE Universe was taken by surprise when Randy Orton debuted his iconic Strike First RKO t-shirt in 2005. The shirt became an instant hit among fans, with its bold design and the message it conveyed. However, what many fans don’t know is that this iconic shirt almost never saw the light of day.

Wwe Almost Scrapped Randy Orton’s Strike First Rko T-Shirt

Randy Orton, also known as “The Viper,” is one of the most well-known and decorated superstars in WWE history. Making his debut in 2002, Orton quickly rose through the ranks and became a fan favorite.

Product tags: Instant Hit Among Fans, Beloved Item Among Fans, Iconic Strike First Rko

His signature move, the RKO, has become a staple in every WWE event and his vicious demeanor in the ring has earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the industry. But back in 2005, Orton’s career was at a crossroads.

The young superstar was struggling to find his footing and establish himself as a main event player. His rivalry with The Undertaker was not gaining the traction that the WWE had hoped for, and they were looking for ways to revamp Orton’s character. It was during this time that the idea for the Strike First RKO t-shirt was first pitched. The concept was to showcase Orton’s ruthless and aggressive nature, with the message of always being one step ahead of his opponents. But as with any new idea in the WWE, it had to go through multiple levels of approval before being released to the public. And this is where the problem arose.

According to backstage sources, there were multiple concerns raised about the shirt. Some felt that the message of “strike first” went against the family-friendly image that the WWE was trying to portray.

Others were worried that it would promote violence and could potentially offend sponsors. And some felt that it was too dark and didn’t align with Orton’s character. With all these concerns, it seemed like the strike first rko shirt was on the verge of being scrapped altogether. But Orton, known for his tenacity and determination, fought for the shirt. He believed in the message it conveyed and saw it as a way to reinvent himself and stand out from the rest of the WWE roster.

See more related product: Iconic Shirt Almost Never Saw, Could Potentially Offend Sponsors

After multiple discussions and revisions, the shirt was finally approved and debuted at a live event in October 2005. The reaction from the crowd was overwhelming, with fans instantly buying the shirt and wearing it proudly. It became one of the top-selling merchandise items for the WWE at the time and helped propel Orton’s career to new heights. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine the WWE without the iconic Strike First RKO t-shirt. It has become synonymous with Randy Orton and is a testament to his determination and drive to succeed. While the shirt may have faced challenges in its creation, it ultimately became a defining moment in Orton’s career and a beloved item among fans.

Product features:

Product information

Key features:

• Double-needle sleeve and bottom hems: Double stitching around the edges of the garment makes it long-lasting and durable.
• Ribbed collar: Allows the shirt to stretch as the head enters the t-shirt, afterwards the collar goes back to its original size, leaving a well-fitted tee.
• Neck and shoulder tape: Twill tape covers the shoulder and neck seams to stabilize the back of the shirt and prevent stretching.
• Without side seams: Knitted in one piece using tubular knit, it makes the garment more attractive.

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