Sunderland AFC: Eliezer Mayenda sends 1-word message to WWE legend Randy Orton as Wembley celebration goes viral | OneFootball

The Sunderland frontman's Wembley celebration caught the eye of a few big names across the Atlantic

Eliezer Mayenda was picked out before the play-off final as one of the players to watch, and he delivered in spades by kickstarting Sunderland's comeback with his equalising strike on 76 minutes.

However, his goal celebration may have raised a few eyebrows in the crowd, especially those who aren't familiar with American-based sports entertainment companies.

When the dust settled and the Sunderland front-man finished being mobbed by his teammates, the 20-year-old struck a pose reminiscent of Randy Orton, one of the biggest names in the WWE for over 20 years.

And with millions of eyes on what many dub 'the richest game in football', Mayenda's celebration has found its way to the 14-time WWE World Champion's attention.

Randy Orton and Sunderland AFC's Eliezer Mayenda's post-play-off final interaction

It may have taken a day to do so, but Eliezer Mayenda's pose following his goal at Wembley was recognised by Randy Orton on his Instagram, posting an image of the celebration without a caption.

Understandably, the post incurred plenty of reactions from Sunderland fans, as well as the Sunderland and EFL's official pages, but also from Mayenda himself.

The 20-year-old responded to the post with "Legend 🔥🤝," to which Orton himself replied with a simple "🤛🏻," showing a clear mutual respect between the two.

Now, it's unknown whether that means Randy Orton is now a Sunderland fan. WWE superstars have interacted with Championship clubs before, as seen ahead of Preston North End's FA Cup quarter-final match against Aston Villa, with the likes of Cody Rhodes sending a good luck message to the Lilywhites.

WWE commentator and North End fan Wade Barrett may still look to persuade his colleague away from the Stadium of Light and towards Deepdale, but regardless, Mayenda now has a new fan in WWE's 'Viper.'

Why Eliezer Mayenda struck the Randy Orton pose at Wembley

For those who are familiar with the WWE, Eliezer Mayenda's celebration on Saturday will have evoked a reaction similar to when you notice a little easter egg in a film or TV show you like.

But why did the 20-year-old pay homage to the wrestling superstar?

Apparently, the Sunderland attacker is just a big fan of Randy Orton. When asked if he could meet one person by the side's media team, he picked the 14-time WWE World Champion. Why? "Because I like Randy Orton," he explained.

Orton's ongoing career has spanned Mayenda's entire life, incredibly enough. When the 45-year-old won the World Heavyweight Championship for the first time in August 2004, the exciting Spaniard wasn't even born!

And just like Orton in the early naughties, many are predicting big things ahead for Eliezer Mayenda as he ventures into his first Premier League season this coming August.