Fan Arrested In South Africa For Violently Attacking Randy Orton, WWE Issues Statement

As reported earlier today, there was a scary moment at today’s WWE live event in Cape Town, South Africa, as Randy Orton was attacked by a fan following his match against Big E Langston. TMZ.com, which is currently covering the incident as its lead story, reports that the fan is now in police custody.

WWE released a statement on the matter to the website as well as F4WOnline.com, which states, “Tonight Randy Orton was violently attacked from behind by a South African fan, who is currently being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton’s injuries are unknown at this time.”

A short while later, WWE released the following statement on its company website, “WWE.com has learned that Randy Orton was violently attacked by an audience member during a SmackDown World Tour Live Event in Cape Town, South Africa, this evening. Footage of the attack was captured by a WWE fan and posted to YouTube, and shows the perpetrator striking Orton from behind. The matter is currently under investigation by the local authorities, and the South African fan is being held in jail pending criminal charges. The extent of Orton’s injuries are unknown at this time.”

The fan leveled Orton in the groin with a low blow as he was standing on a turnbuckle, causing him to fall to the canvas. The WWE Superstar retaliated against the fan as he was being dragged out of the ring by security personnel by kicking him in the head.

TMZ.com has published a 20-second clip of the incident, which can be viewed here—it is the same footage originally posted on this website.

See photos of Randy Orton with Mickie James