Ric Flair has made his choice for who he believes is the top guy in WWE right now.
Though his match with Edge at WrestleMania 36 came under criticism, Randy Orton did some of the best work of his career in the build-up to the match with Edge. Orton delivered personal and authentic promos while doing many of the little things that other wrestlers always notice from him. And Orton's former running mate in Evolution took notice of Orton's work.
“Nobody is higher on Randy Orton than I am,” Flair told Alex McCarthy of TalkSPORT. “I think, right now, he is doing some of the best work he has ever done and I think Edge is too. Randy has done and accomplished so much and he’s been there a long time – people don’t realise this. But every time he says something, it’s the truth. And his level of ability right now and his health are both great. He’s at the top of his game, which, in my opinion, makes him the number one guy. The thing about Randy is, he’s so good that I think just because he’s been there for so long you think ‘gosh, can he get any better?’ and he just continues [to get better] if given the opportunity to shine. But I hope he retires soon so I can get my third ring [laughs]. But he’s a great talent, really, really good and an important part of WWE’s TV."
If Orton is at the top of Flair's list as far as male performers go, who does he believe the top female performer is? His answer probably doesn't surprise you.
“Well, you know me, people are going to say I’m biased, but she’s the female Orton. Younger, less time in the business, but she’s picked it up. The art of being able to make somebody look good and make the match the priority rather than what you are capable of doing or not doing is what separates the good from the great. She’s been in that conversation as the greatest ever since, I think, Dallas. I think the conversation becomes more solidified as the greatest ever every time she goes out there and you have an opportunity to compare her skills with somebody else. I know she was excited and looked forward to the match with Rhea, she certainly didn’t look at it as a step down. She looked at it as an opportunity to wrestle somebody else with a lot of skills and a great work ethic," said Flair.
Charlotte has nearly caught Orton in terms of WWE Title reigns. Orton is a 13-time WWE/World Heavyweight Champion while Charlotte collected her 12th WWE/NXT Divas/Women's Title at WrestleMania 36 when she defeated Rhea Ripley.
