Randy Orton isn’t a fan of new school wrestling.
The former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has made it known in the past that he doesn't particularly like the independent style that’s currently popular today, most notably targeting Tommaso Ciampa and NXT several months ago about leg slaps and repeated moves.
The 40-year-old went into depth about his feelings regarding the new school wrestling on “Vibe and Wrestling”, where Orton feels that the art of storytelling should be the center focus of every match, no matter the promotion (Transcript courtesy of wrestlinginc.com):
"I think there are obvious differences in the way I was taught by the guys from the old school that is taught today, although, psychology has not changed," Orton explained. "I think the basic ideas when it comes to telling a story haven't changed since my father's or my grandfather's time. It's the good guy, and the bad guy, and you play with the emotions of the audience. The good guy comes on the scene, the conquering hero, with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship around his waist."
Orton understands the flashy moves and faster style of modern wrestling; however, the veteran feels that talents choosing style or substance will hurt them in the long run:
"I think nothing has changed in that regard between old school and new school," Orton said. "I think the new school is more about the mentality of independent wrestling. We have a lot of people coming from independent companies and are called by NXT and WWE, many who can tell good stories. They are perhaps counted in a faster way, it is a little more - I think the most careful way to call is 'dangerous'.
I think that if people realized what these guys risk many times, and the times they put their neck on the line just for one night a year to try to attract attention or to grab the torch, I think they would understand a little better. It's definitely an exciting style, but I think the new school, the fast speed they move at, the bumps they take, the false finishes, the nonstop action, I think in the long run it hurts the story you're trying to tell."