Randy Orton opens up about major weight gain during injury layoff

WWE superstar Randy Orton recently opened up his significant weight gain during his injury layoff, revealing he reached 300 pounds. While physical limitations following back surgery played a role in his inactivity, Orton admitted the main culprit was his uncontrollable sweet tooth.

Calling it a 'sugar tooth from hell', the 14-time World Champion confessed to indulging in unhealthy eating habits during recovery.

ALSO READ: Orton set to battle McIntyre at WWE Saturday Night's main event


Speaking on the What’s Your Story? with Steph McMahon podcast, Orton shared that once he found out he’d be 'off for a while' - his eating habits shifted dramatically.

"I went from like, kind of 240 to 250-ish. I mean, I did take it to the extreme," he said. "Over the winter, I had some time off, and I was a little over 300 pounds. Like, 'Oh, this guy gets a spinal fusion and he gains 80 pounds,' smart."

He also revealed some of the specific foods he was indulging in during that chaotic phase.

"I went through like, a Nutella phase," he admitted. "And that's one of the reasons I was just over 300 over Christmas. Is because, like, the big tub of popcorn that has, like, the different... chocolate and caramel... I killed a couple of those, and it's like, I'll start fucking with a tin of fucking some shit over Christmas. Servings are 84 servings. Killed this thing in two nights."


However, after he was cleared to train again post back surgery, Orton completely transformed his routine under the guidance of a new trainer and which worked wonders for him.

"My diet changed," he said. "I gained a lot of weight while I was out, and it was bad weight, and then I stayed the same weight, but then, like, changed the fat, kind of, into muscle, or my muscle percentage was higher."

He further explained that he concentrated on building strength in his posterior chain to support and protect his spine, a focus that ultimately helped him achieve his current impressive physique.

Now back in action, Orton is focused on rebuilding his conditioning and returning to top form in the WWE ring. Following his loss to Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring tournament final, Orton was confronted by a returning Drew McIntyre on SmackDown.

Now, the two former champions are set to reignite their storied rivalry in a high-stakes singles match at the upcoming Saturday Night’s Main Event on July 12.