Randy Orton has been absent from WWE for almost an year due to a serious back surgery. Things are still not looking good for him after a latest update.
Orton was on TV last time in May 2022 before he injured his back. He was Matt Riddle’s partner in the RK-Bro tag team and they were RAW tag team champions as well. The Usos beat them on a SmackDown and started their own recording setting run as the Unified Tag Team Champions.
RK-Bro dropped their titles to Usos because Randy was injured sometime earlier and he disappeared soon after the loss. His partner Riddle, made an emotional speech on the next RAW episode explaining that Randy was dealing with a back injury and was competing in pain. Riddle continued with the RK-Bro gimmick for the rest of the year after that. Rumors of his return have made the rounds ever since. Some reports even suggested that he will finally appear at WrestleMania 39.
What is the latest update on Randy Orton?
Orton did not return, either at WrestleMania or RAW after ‘Mania, where his partner Riddle returned after his suspension. According to Wrestling journalist Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, there are no plans by WWE management to bring The Viper back.
Wrestling journalist and historian Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Newsletter confirmed this news saying Orton was “nowhere close to returning.” Orton’s injury is spinal and he underwent surgery to fuse his lower back in November last year. It was a successful procedure and he is currently recuperating at home.
Randy and his wife Kim were posting updates on his recovery last year but they are both not very active this year. Therefore there is no way to confirm Orton’s return date. Matt Riddle has made his return this week on RAW and he has picked up a fight with the Miz.
