This sneak attack was very real.
WWE wrestler Randy Orton was jumped from behind by a crazed fan Monday night during a show in Cape Town, South Africa, the pro wrestling organization confirmed on its website. The spectator jumped the barrier, entered the ring and struck Orton from behind as the star was celebrating on the ropes. The WWE says this was not part of the show.
A fan was able to capture the stunning scene on video and post it to YouTube. The matter is under investigation and the perpetator is currently being held pending criminal charges, the WWE said on its site. Orton’s injuries are unknown, though he seemed to be fine immediately following the blow.
According to ENCA.com (via TMZ), the attacker was Tshepo Sekhabi, an wrestler in South Africa who goes by the name of “Jozi the Wrestling Machine.” He told ENCA that he was trying to get the attention of the WWE by surprising Orton.
“I just don’t like Randy Orton,” Sekhabi told the site. “This was an opportunity for me. … So I got up there and made a name for myself.”
Sekhabi was instantly kicked out of the hotel that was hosting the WWE event and an investigator said Orton is free to pursue legal action against him. A WWE rep told TMZ that the wrestler is “considering pressing charges.”