Randy Orton, a WWE wrestling star, was punched between his legs by a crazed fan during an event in Cape Town, South Africa. While it may have seemed like part of the act, considering the scripted nature of professional wrestling, WWE said that it was not part of the act and the fan has actually been arrested.
Orton was standing at the ropes, looking at the audience, when the fan jumped into the ring and ran toward Orton. The fan then punches Orton right in the groin and Orton falls to the ring floor.
According to USA Today, WWE later issued a statement on the incident, confirming that this was not planned and that the fan has been arrested.
“WWE.com has learned that Randy Orton was violently attacked by an audience member during a SmackDown World Tour Live Event in Cape Town, South Africa, yesterday evening,” the organization said. “Footage of the attack was captured by a WWE fan and posted to YouTube, and shows the perpetrator striking Orton from behind. The matter is currently under investigation by the local authorities, and the South African fan is being held in jail pending criminal charges.”
WWE also stated that the “extent of Orton's injuries are unknown at this time.”
Video of the incident, which can be seen below, has been posted by WWE. Orton has not tweeted since Tuesday.
image: YouTube