Randy Orton’s WWE Return Finally Locked In After Disappearing From TV

Randy Orton’s WWE Return Finally Locked In After Disappearing From TV

Randy Orton has been completely missing from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42 Night One. That night, The Viper shocked fans by turning on Pat McAfee, but he ultimately lost to Cody Rhodes. Even in defeat, Orton made sure to leave a mark—delivering a vicious punt kick to Rhodes after the match.

Everyone assumed the rivalry would continue. But then? Silence. Orton vanished from TV without explanation.

Now that silence is finally broken. WWE has officially listed Orton for the May 29 episode of SmackDown, which takes place in Barcelona, Spain at the Olympic Arena. That puts him back on TV just before the Clash in Italy pay-per-view.

So where has he been? The Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently shed some light. There is no confirmed injury, but reports indicate Orton was hurting before WrestleMania. The original plan was for him to win that match, but his physical condition could have changed things behind the scenes.

With Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll out of the picture, it looks like Orton is ready to pick up where he left off. And that punt kick to Rhodes? That story may not be over yet.