Although he's gone through some character changes during his career, as soon as he debuted in 2002, it was clear WWE had very high hopes for Randy Orton. The third-generation superstar was bred for the business and kind of embodies everything you want from a pro wrestler.

RELATED: Predicting Randy Orton’s Next 5 WrestleMania Opponents (& 5 He’ll Never Face)

Orton is one of the first wrestlers that fans think of when they reminisce about the Ruthless Aggression era. During that time, Orton was a member of Evolution and popularized his "Legend Killer" gimmick. He became a star, partially thanks to these great matches. For this list, no tag matches are included.

10 Randy Orton vs. Shawn Michaels - Unforgiven 2003

If you wanted someone to look like a star in the Ruthless Aggression Era, you put them in the ring with Shawn Michaels. This was the first time that Randy Orton truly felt like he had a coming-out party.

They told the story of a cocky youngster against a veteran and both men played their roles perfectly. Orton stole the victory thanks to brass knuckles and it propelled him towards an Intercontinental Title win at the end of the year.

9 Randy Orton vs. Ric Flair - Taboo Tuesday 2004

In 2004, Orton became a face when Evolution turned on him. After losing the World Title to Triple H, Orton found himself against the stable's mentor, Ric Flair. It also took place in a steel cage.

This was a throwback to cage matches of yesteryear. It was a bloodbath that was intense from the opening bell. Though it only lasted about 10 minutes, it was great. Orton won with the RKO.

8 Randy Orton vs. Edge - Vengeance 2004

Orton's Intercontinental Title reign was a long one. It took the return of Edge after over a year on the shelf to end it. At Vengeance 2004, these two studs competed for nearly 30 minutes with the title up for grabs.

The finishing stretch to this one was exhilarating. What's more special is that both men would go on to win their first World Titles within the next year. For Orton, it was the following month.

7 Randy Orton vs. Kurt Angle vs. Rey Mysterio - WrestleMania 22

Rey Mysterio won the 2006 Royal Rumble by last eliminating Randy Orton. However, Orton beat him at No Way Out and earned a spot in the World Title match at WrestleMania 22.

RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Randy Orton Is Underrated (& 5 Why He Isn’t)

On a stacked WrestleMania card, this match is often forgotten. That's a shame because it is a tremendous sprint. It's nine minutes of non-stop action and cool spots before Mysterio scores the upset victory.

6 Randy Orton vs. Edge vs. John Cena vs. Shawn Michaels - Backlash 2007

Speaking of great matches that are often forgotten, there's this gem. It's weird to think that people don't discuss it more considering the Hall of Fame talent involved. Four of the biggest names from the era colliding in one match.

Callbacks were made to the teams of Rated RKO and John Cena and Shawn Michaels (who were Tag Champions a month prior). Again, this ended on a high note as Shawn hit Cena with Sweet Chin Music, only for him to fall on Orton and get the win.

5 Money In The Bank - WrestleMania 23

By 2007, we had already seen two Money in the Bank matches. WrestleMania 23 upped the ante with eight superstars instead of six. To top it off, this iteration boasted arguably the most talented field ever.

Randy Orton, Edge, The Hardy Boyz, Finlay, King Booker, CM Punk, and eventual winner Mr. Kennedy all put on an exciting opener. Orton's highlight was a massive RKO off a ladder on Punk.

4 Elimination Chamber - New Year's Revolution 2005

New Year's Revolution 2005 marked the third time fans were treated to an Elimination Chamber match. To this day, this version still remains one of the best in the history of that stipulation.

RELATED: Elimination Chamber: 10 Losers Who Spent The Most Time In The Ring

Triple H successfully defended his World Title against Batista, Randy Orton, Chris Benoit, Chris Jericho, and Edge. Not only was the match great but it helped further the stories involving the former Evolution members.

3 Randy Orton vs. The Undertaker - WrestleMania 21

After Randy Orton's failed babyface run to close out 2004, he turned heel again and targeted The Undertaker. "The Legend Killer" was looking to take out the ultimate legend and his vaunted WrestleMania streak.

Though Orton came up short, he gave Undertaker one of his first great matches on the big stage. His counter of a Chokeslam into an RKO gave fans an early "RKO outta nowhere" moment.

2 Randy Orton vs. Chris Benoit - SummerSlam 2004

Thanks to a cool character, great run as Intercontinental Champion, and association with Evolution, Randy Orton was a rising star in 2004. That led him to SummerSlam and a clash with World Champion Chris Benoit.

Evolution leader Triple H kept failing to beat Benoit. However, Orton managed to do it in a classic bout with a tremendous RKO. This was a great match and an iconic one that helped Orton become the youngest World Champion in history.

1 Randy Orton vs. Mick Foley - Backlash 2004

It's the match that turned Randy Orton into a true top star. A lot of fans viewed him as just a pretty boy who hadn't paid his dues. The feud with Mick Foley changed all that, especially in this legendary Intercontinental Title match.

With a No Holds Barred stipulation, Foley and Orton battered each other with a ton of weapons. The most memorable spot saw Foley block an RKO and send Orton onto a pile of thumbtacks. Orton ended up winning, proving himself as a legitimate star and having the best match of his entire career.

NEXT: 5 Best Years Of Randy Orton's Career (& 5 Worst)