Published: May 11, 2025 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: May 11, 2025 by Sanchez Taylor
Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.
WWE
The identity of the independent wrestler who Randy Orton hit with an RKO at WWE Backlash has been revealed.
The May 10 Premium Live Event saw Orton challenge for John Cena’s WWE Championship in what was marketed as the last ever match between Orton and Cena.
While Cena was destined to receive an RKO during this bout, a number of WWE officials were on the receiving end of Orton’s finisher after the Viper’s frustrations boiled over.
While WWE fans would’ve been able to recognise SmackDown GM Nick Aldis as well as backstage producers Shane Helms, Shawn Daivari and Jamie Noble, another individual who WWE fans might not know took an RKO from Orton.
As pointed out by the Local Competitor, this final name who was serving as an onscreen official for this segment was independent wrestler Austin Mulitalo.
A graduate of Harley Race’s Wrestling Academy, Austin Mulitalo is currently one half of the NWA WLW Tag Team Champions.
He won the gold alongside Blade Lennox in February.
He notably made his ROH debut in July 2024, teaming with Cappuccino Jones & Carson Hutcheson in a losing effort against Brian Cage, Bishop Kaun & Toa Liona in a match which aired on the July 18, 2024 TV episode.
John Cena was ultimately victorious, defeating Randy Orton in Orton’s hometown to retain the WWE Championship.
A top WWE star has now teased a previously rumored match against John Cena, which you can read more about right here.
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