Finisher moves in pro wrestling and WWE can have crowds erupt with excitement. They are flashy, visually appealing in most cases, and often have memorable names, like RKO. But what exactly does that mean?
RKO is one of those moves which are instantly recognizable and it has earned its spot in wrestling history. Even casual viewers who don’t follow wrestling closely, or sports bettors using betting apps, may have encountered the term RKO in unexpected places like prop bet markets. forums, viral videos, or GIFs.
Despite being a Randy Orton fan, I found out about the true meaning of the term embarrassingly late, but you don’t have to share the same fate as me.
What does RKO stand for in WWE?
RKO stands for Randy Keith Orton, the initials of the WWE superstar Randy Orton. The RKO is similar to the “cutter” move. To perform the move, Orton grabs his opponent by the head and falls backwards. The end result slams the opponent face-first into the mat.
From a technical standpoint, RKO may not have the most unique mechanics for a finisher. However, it’s Orton’s timing, flair, and unpredictability that turned it into one of the most iconic finishers in wrestling.
There have been times when Orton performed the move with lightning-fast reflexes, and even caught opponents mid-air or mid-move to perform the finisher. This unpredictable nature of the move embarked in our minds with the legendary commentary reaction “RKO outta nowhere”, which then breaded countless internet memes.
The number of iconic RKOs in WWE may well exceed to hundreds, as even Orton had a difficult time breaking down his top RKOs.
Now that you know what RKO means, it’s time to find out what my assumption was all these years. I personally thought it simply meant Random Knockout, and it made perfect sense. A quick search on online forums revealed that I wasn’t alone in this theory, so I won’t feel completely bad.
Is RKO trademarked?
Yes, RKO is officially trademarked by WWE. The entertainment company filed a trademark application for the term “RKO” in November 2024 with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The trademark covers wrestling exhibitions and performances delivered through broadcast media (like TV and radio), digital platforms such as websites and streaming services, fan club experiences, social entertainment events, online newsletters, and even wrestling blogs.
While it may look a bit over the top, RKO’s one of the most recognized finishing moves in wrestling history. Over the years, it evolved into a core asset in WWE’s intellectual property portfolio, so it makes sense to keep it safe and sound.
