This article is about 'Bob Orton, Sr. For his son who is also known as "Cowboy" Bob Orton, see Bob Orton, Jr.

Robert Dale "Bob" Orton (July 21, 1929 – July 16, 2006) was an American professional wrestler. He was also known as Bob Orton, Sr. to distinguish him from his son, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Jr.. He was also the father of former wrestler Barry O, and the grandfather of WWE Superstar Randy Orton.

Career

His previous nickname was "The Big O" when he wrestled for the Stampede Wrestling TV series.

Orton was a two-time holder of the Florida version of the NWA World Tag Team Championship with partner Eddie Graham in 1966. He also captured several other titles in various NWA territories, including the NWA Southern Heavyweight title and the Florida Tag Team title (with Bob Jr.) in Florida Championship Wrestling and the NWA United States Heavyweight title in Central States Wrestling. He also competed in the American Wrestling Association, where he would also gain championship success.

Personal life

Orton married Rita on January 22, 1950. Together they had three children, "Cowboy" Bob Orton, Barry O, and Rhonda. Orton was also grandfather to current World Wrestling Entertainment superstar Randy Orton. He became a great-grandfather posthmously when his grandson fathered a baby girl in 2008.

Orton and André the Giant were good friends for many years.

Retirement

He retired in July 2000 and spent the last years of his life living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Death

He died on July 16, 2006 at the age of 76 after suffering from a series of heart attacks. Orton was cremated and had his ashes scattered on Mount Charleston in Las Vegas in April 2007.

Championships and accomplishments

• American Wrestling Association

*AWA Midwest Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

*AWA Midwest Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Mike DiBiase (1) and Maurice Vachon (2)

*Nebraska Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Central States Wrestling

*NWA Central States Heavyweight Championship (2 times)

*NWA North American Tag Team Championshpi (1 time) - with Buddy Austin

*NWA United States Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• Championship Wrestling from Florida

*NWA Florida Tag Team Championship (3 times) - with Dennis Hall (1), Hiro Matsuda (1), and Bob Orton, Jr. (1)

*NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (6 times)

*NWA World Tag Team Championship (2 times) - with Eddie Graham

• NWA Big Time Wrestling

*NWA Texas Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Lord Alfred Hayes

• Mid-South Sports

*NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• NWA Western States Sports

*NWA Southwest Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

• St. Louis Wrestling Club

*NWA Missouri Heavyweight Championship (1 time)

References