Randy Orton has been out of WWE in-ring action for almost one year now. It was around this time last year that The Bloodline launched an all-out assault on RK-Bro and took Orton out. His tag team partner Matt Riddle even hinted Roman Reigns and The Usos may have ended The Apex Predator’s career.
Some fans are worried whether they will see Orton back in WWE again. After The Bloodline took him out, the former WWE World Champion underwent surgery and is slowly recovering from his injury.
Whenever a premium live event approaches, WWE fans try to know whether Randy Orton will return on the show. This has been a thing since SummerSlam last year because rumors were rife that Orton would challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Biggest Party of Summer in 2022. However, the same did not happen.
The next WWE premium live event is Night of Champions. In this article, we will look at the latest update on Randy Orton’s return.
Is Randy Orton still injured?
Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer recently speculated that Randy Orton could return in the second half of 2023. The reason behind that is Drew McIntyre could leave WWE soon after his contract expires, so the company will need a big name to fill in his shoes on RAW, and that man can be Orton.
Hence, it means that Orton will likely miss WWE Night of Champions 2023 as well. Meltzer felt that McIntyre could be booked to have a big program before he leaves. There is a possibility that he challenges for the World Heavyweight Championship in front of his home fans at Money in the Bank and then bids farewell to WWE.
On the RAW or SmackDown after Money in the Bank, Orton could return to start a rivalry with the world champion of the respective brand. That might lead to a SummerSlam main event.
