WWE: Randy Orton Reveals Why He Changed His View on Black Lives Matter Movement

Randy Orton understands the Black Lives Matter movement. In May, the former WWE Champion went to Twitter and wrote “#BlackLivesMatter.” It was interesting considering he made it clear he was against Colin Kaepernick kneeling during the national anthem in 2016. Brent Brookhouse of CBS Sports spoke to Orton about his view on Black Lives Matter, and Orton revealed why he changed his views.

“It took me a little time, but what I had to do was realize, Kaepernick, he wasn’t s—ing on the flag,” he said. “He wasn’t disrespecting the people that have given their lives for our freedom. He was taking a stand against police brutality. As a white guy, I don’t see it.” Orton went on to say he started listening to his “Black brothers and sisters” talking about their encounters with police. When Orton heard that, he said, “That’s when the lightbulb went off.”

“I’m embarrassed to say it, but it took me a little while, but I get it. What I said on Twitter, I stand behind. If anyone doesn’t agree with me, I think they need to do more digging.” Orton went on to mention Black wrestlers like Big E, Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, Mark Henry and R-Truth, and the things that said about Black Lives Matter. He also made it clear, “All lives do matter, but like I said on Twitter, until black lives matter, all lives can’t matter. My only regret is that it took me a little bit and some soul searching to see that.”

There have been a number of WWE Superstars to speak out on the cause. Keith Lee was seen wearing trunks that had the phrase “Black Lives Matter” at the pay-per-view NXT TakeOver: In Your House. John Cena made a significant donation to the Black Lives Matter Movement and Big E and Kingston showed support for the movement by taking a knee before their match on SmackDown.

“The more that social media has allowed us to see these horrific videos — and it wasn’t just George Floyd. I’ve seen so many after I did a little digging,” Orton said. “You realize it is tough to be a black person in this country, and we’ve got a ways to go before all lives truly matter. I think what we have to do is make sure black lives matter.”