Insight with Chris Van Vliet

AskCVV #127 - 2009 Randy Orton Is Back! Chris Jericho At WrestleMania?, Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Mar 20, 2026
Conversation spins around Randy Orton’s heel switch and whether his 2009 persona has returned. Predictions fly about an Obafemi vs Brock Lesnar showdown and how that could shape both careers. Rumors surface about Chris Jericho possibly returning to WWE. WrestleMania card forecasts, Mount Rushmore interview picks, and Danhausen’s breakout momentum get spirited discussion.
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INSIGHT

Randy Orton's Heel Turn Is A Ruthless Reset

  • Randy Orton's recent heel turn feels like a return to a more ruthless character rather than a simple face/heel flip.
  • Chris Van Vliet notes a true '09 Orton moment would include a punt and more viciousness, predicting a punt before or at WrestleMania leading to a title win.
INSIGHT

Pixelated Phone Angle As A Long Game Hook

  • The mysterious blurry phone segment with Randy Orton is deliberate misdirection that builds intrigue and sustains weekly viewership.
  • Van Vliet suggests possible payoffs: Cowboy Bob Orton, Aleister Black, or an unexpected ally like Kevin Owens, planted to simmer over nine TV shows.
ADVICE

Use Heel Turns To Unlock Tougher Promos

  • Expect storytelling constraints when two babyfaces are built to headline; turning one heel opens creative promo structure and stakes.
  • Van Vliet explains babyface promos must build the opponent, so making Orton a heel allows grittier, higher-stakes beats for WrestleMania.
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