November 7, 2008 - No superstar in WWE history enjoyed as quick an ascent to the top of the business as third generation wrestler Randy Orton. “The Legend Killer” became the youngest WWE World Heavyweight Champion ever when he defeated Chris Benoit for the belt in 2004 at the tender age of 24, and has distinguished himself through is feuds with in-ring icons such as Hulk Hogan, Mick Foley, Shawn Michaels, The Undertaker, Triple H and John Cena.

Orton’s grandfather, Bob Orton Sr., held numerous championships during his time with the NWA, FCW and AWA, and his father, “Cowboy” Bob Orton, whose illustrious career included an appearance at the original Wrestlemania, where he cost Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff a win in their main event tag match against Hulk Hogan and Mr. T by inadvertently striking Orndorff with his casted left forearm. “Cowboy” Bob Orton is a WWE Halll of Famer and holds the distinction of having participated in the main event of NBC’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, losing by disqualification against World Heavyweight Champion Hulk Hogan in 1985.

Randy has followed in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, becoming one of the most despised heels in the WWE and one of its most promising young stars. As Dusty Rhodes astutely pointed out when we interviewed him, you don’t even have to be a fan of WWE to appreciate his athleticism and natural charisma on first sight. He has what industry insiders refer to simply as the “it” factor.

We caught up with Randy at THQ’s Smackdown vs. Raw event at Florida Championship Wrestling’s developmental facility in Tampa last week and “The Legend Killer” shared his thoughts on everything from what it’s like to grow up in a wrestling family, his love of videogames, and how his love of Mortal Kombat has influenced his in-ring performance.

Enjoy our interview with “The Legend Killer” Randy Orton and be sure to check back on Saturday night, when our review of Smackdown vs. Raw 2009 goes live at midnight.