A new update provides an update on Randy Orton.
The 14-time world champion has been sidelined for over a year. He last wrestled on the May 20, 2022, episode of WWE SmackDown. There, he and Matt Riddle lost the RAW Tag Team Championship to The Usos, Orton then had surgery for a lower back fusion, and he has been out of action ever since. After the procedure, he was expected to miss an extended period of time.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select reports that Orton is healing, but WWE sources noted that he had not been factored into creative plans as of the past week. A WWE source said that an Orton return at WWE SummerSlam should not be counted on.
Per Sapp, Orton is still not cleared for in-ring training or competition. Sources indicated that there haven’t been extensive talks about what the plans for Orton will be. In the report, Sapp stated that, as of now, Orton plans to return to the ring.
However, Sapp wrote that the procedure is not typical for wrestlers, so the road forward is unclear. Doctors have told “The Viper” that wrestling again is not a good idea, but he plans to come back. The report also notes that Orton has resumed lifting and working out, but he isn’t bumping.
Killian Dain On Working With Randy Orton
Big Damo, formerly known as Killian Dain in WWE, previously reflected on working with Randy Orton. Speaking with on The Ten Count with Steve Fall, he highlighted Orton’s status as a leader in the locker room.
“Randy was an incredible locker room leader and great to be around,” Big Damo said. “Because you hear all these stories about him, and they’re just not true. And he was wonderful to all of us. Watching him wrestle every night and on those shows and stuff like that was f**king incredible because he’s outstanding at what he does. He always had brilliant matches and everything else. The way he took his time, he orchestrated the cry. He was literally a level above everybody.
“And I’m hearing that he’s having back issues, and I’m really hoping it’s not true because he’s maybe the most important person on that roster right now, and I’m hoping that he’s able to push through it because what a worker he is and, again, as I say what a leader.”
WrestleZone will provide more information about Orton’s status as it becomes available.
