Orton competed in the American Wrestling Association (AWA) in the 1960's, where he would gain success.
In 1968, Orton debuted in the World Wide Wrestling Federation (WWWF), often using the ring name Rocky Fitzpatrick. In September 1968, as "Cowboy" Rocky Fitzpatrick, he was number one challenger to WWWF World Heavyweight Champion Bruno Sammartino, losing to Sammartino at Madison Square Garden. He fought Sammartino in other northeastern cities as well.
Orton passed away on July 16, 2006.