“I’m flying high,” Randy Orton comments on WWE legend coming out of retirement to face him

Randy Orton recalls his legendary Hardcore match with Mick Foley at Backlash 2004.

“I’m flying high,” Randy Orton comments on WWE legend coming out of retirement to face him

Randy Orton (via WWE)

Randy Orton has had many classic matches throughout his career. However, the one match that put him on course to become the legend he is today was his battle against Mick Foley. Recently, both legends rewatched their iconic match in a special video made by WWE. 

While watching the match, Randy Orton recalled how the Hall of Famer helped propel his career to new heights. He stated that Mick Foley specially came out of retirement to have a match with him. The Viper expressed his gratitude to people like him for helping him become the superstar he is today. 

YouTube video

Foley was involved in a feud with Evolution that led to a 2-on-3 handicap match at WrestleMania XX, with The Rock as his partner. Orton picked up the victory by hitting the RKO on Foley, earning him the first of many wins at the Show of Shows. Both of them continued their rivalry, resulting in a Hardcore match at Backlash in 2004. The Legend Killer dropped a career-defining performance and retained his Intercontinental Title. 

FS Video
I thought it was really special for Mick Foley to come out of retirement just to work with me at Backlash. This was a month after I just picked up a win against The Rock and Mick Foley at WrestleMania 20 in Madison Square Garden, and I'm flying high, man.
Randy Orton via WWE

The Viper was recently part of an amazing triple threat match against Logan Paul and Kevin Owens at WrestleMania XL. Although Orton was unable to win the match, he certainly gave the WWE Universe a viral moment by hitting an RKO on popular streamer IShowSpeed. He hasn’t made an appearance on TV since the loss. Only time will tell what the future holds for him. 

Mick Foley sent a special message to Randy Orton about their match on social media

The Hardcore match at Backlash 2004 was as special for Mrs. Foley’s Baby Boy as it was for Orton. Recently, he shared a heartfelt post regarding the iconic match on social media.  

Randy Orton and Mick Foley
Randy Orton and Mick Foley (via WWE)

Foley took to Instagram and wrote a wholesome message with a picture of their match. He said that this match was his favorite for many reasons. The Hardcore Legend asserted that they made history that night with their match and brought out the best in each other. 

20 YEARS AGO TODAY! Yes, my match with randyorton at Backlash was exactly 20 years ago, today. This was my favorite match of my career - and I hear after all these years, it might still be Randy’s favorite as well… Thank you Randy, for making history with me that night — I think we brought out the best in each other! …have a nice day!
Mick Foley via Instagram

The 58-year-old star pointed out that Orton was the perfect superstar with whom he could’ve had that match. He further added that the clash ended up helping them both to some extent. While Foley eventually found his place in the Hall of Fame, The Viper’s career took off and reached new heights. 

In case you missed it: