Randy Orton reacts to Vince McMahon allegations: ‘It hurts my heart’

Randy Orton is grappling with the allegations that have been made against Vince McMahon.

In an interview with the New York Post that was published on Wednesday, Orton was asked about his reaction to the lawsuit former WWE employee Janel Grant has filed against McMahon, WWE, and John Laurinaitis. The lawsuit accuses McMahon of physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, and sex trafficking.

Orton told The Post that part of him doesn’t want to believe the allegations because McMahon has done so much for him, but he understands that McMahon could have done those positive things while also making other terrible mistakes:

I’ve seen the horrible things online that I don’t want to believe because this man has done so many things for me. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have been given second and third chances [in WWE]. I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in now if it wasn’t for that man.

So part of me wants to not believe it and then the other part of me understands that he could have done all these wonderful things for me and the business and created this amazing thing that will go on and on well after he’s gone, but on the other hand he’s human and he made some f–king terrible mistakes.

Orton added that he thinks a lot more information has to come out before he — or any other WWE talent — can really speak on the situation:

There’s three sides to every story. Their side, the other side and then the truth. I think a lot more has to come out before I can really speak on any of this. I think that would be the case for any talent that you ask, but I do know about Vince McMahon the man that I’ve known for the past 24 years personally and I owe him for everything he’s done for me.

I say that with conviction because I [wouldn’t] be in this position without a lot of help from him. But if these allegations are true, then it’s some horrible s–t right there. I’m torn. It’s hard.

Orton had similar comments in an interview with Sports Illustrated that was also published today:

I’ve got to say this–I wouldn’t be where I am without Vince McMahon taking a chance on me a handful of times. I would not be where I am today without Vince McMahon. But, f—, I’m reading this sh–. What you’ve seen and read, I’ve seen and read. As far as commenting on that, it f—— hurts my heart. It hurts my heart.

McMahon, who has vowed to vigorously defend himself against Grant’s allegations, resigned from WWE and its parent company TKO Group Holdings after the lawsuit was filed.

At Elimination Chamber this Saturday, Orton is set to compete in the men’s Elimination Chamber match. The winner advances to challenge Seth Rollins for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 40.