Randy Orton signs new five-year deal with WWE despite interest from rival promotion AEW
WWE has signed star name Randy Orton to a new five-year deal amid rumours he would jump ship to AEW.
The American had been teasing fans with hints he was heading over to the All Elite franchise before confirming his future with WWE on Wednesday.
One Instagram post saw him pose for a selfie with a sign reading "Elite", tagging in several fellow WWE stars to prompt fears of a mass exodus.
And news that his current contract was due to expire next year led to him ramping up the tension with a cryptic "2020" tweet.
But now he has quashed the speculation with confirmation that his legendary RKO finisher will stay in WWE.
Orton, 39, tweeted: "The 3 most dangerous letters in sports entertainment - #RKO.
"Just re-signed with the three most dominant letters in sports entertainment - #WWE.
"Looking forward to pi$$ing off the #WWEUNIVERSE for at least 5 more years."
Nine-time WWE Championship belt holder and four-time Heavyweight Championship winner, Orton has been a mainstay in the series having signed up in 2001.
latest sports news
Speaking to WWE Backstage on FS1, Triple H stated his happiness at keeping the 6ft 5in wrestler in the show.
He said: "I'm glad to put the rumours to rest.
"For almost two decades, Randy Orton has been a cornerstone of WWE - and Randy Orton will remain a cornerstone of WWE for a long time."