WWE superstar Randy Orton has teased numerous moves to AEW on social media this week, and fans are on the edge of their seats as they closely monitor his wrestling future.

Orton signed a 10-year deal worth WWE that runs up in 2020, so he's free to leave the company if he so desires. But if the Viper chooses to leave AEW, there's a good chance that he'd be leaving a lot of money on the table.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t Louis Dangoor of WrestleTalk), the belief is that Orton is earning around $3 million annually in WWE. Not only that, but Orton doesn't "doesn’t work a full house show schedule."

So as Meltzer suggests here, WWE may simply be "the better place" for Orton here,  especially since the rival AEW promotion could be reluctant to spend so much money on "a new guy."

Meltzer suggested earlier this week that Orton could be hinting at a move to AEW in order to secure a better deal from WWE. The Viper does have all the leverage here, after all, since his contract is on the verge of expiring.

It's well-known by now that Vince McMahon isn't afraid to pay up big dollars in retaining his talents. It was reported back in June that NXT superstars are now signing five-year deals, as this prevents them from being able to leave for AEW in the short-term future.

Related: The Revival Hints At Moving To AEW With Randy Orton

Mike Kanellis requested his release from the WWE two weeks ago, and he acknowledged that re-signing with the company may have been "best" for his family "from a financial standpoint."

WWE has re-signed numerous superstars to long-term deals since last year, including Sasha Banks, Kevin Owens, Jinder Mahal, Braun Strowman, Mike and Maria Kanellis and AJ Styles. Now, their focus shifts towards getting Orton signed.

Losing Orton Would Be A Blow For WWE

WWE is going to have to do everything they can to keep Orton around, because it'd be a major loss if he headed for the rival promotion. Orton has been one of the top main event talents in WWE for nearly two decades now, and you know Vince and co. will want him to finish his illustrious career where it all started.

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