Randy Orton returns to this week's WWE Friday Night SmackDown

Randy Orton had a long hiatus from WWE television for over a year and a half, after suffering a back injury following two fusion surgeries. There were a lot of questions on Orton’s wrestling career as per the advice of Doctors. Orton took his time and returned to WWE Performance Center in late August, and his return was scripted simultaneously. On the Survivor Series go-home show of Raw, Cody Rhodes announced that Orton will be joining their team for the War Games match. 

Following which Orton made his return at Survivor Series War Games, with a more masculine look. His role played a major role to secure a win for his team in the War Games match. Orton was then announced for Monday Night Raw, where he kicked-off and main evented with a match against Dominik Mysterio. Orton’s next appearance, venue and show is now revealed.

Randy Orton returns to SmackDown

WWE is scheduled to host this week’s (December 1, 2023) episode of Friday Night SmackDown at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Being the host venue, Barclays Center announced on X (fka Twitter) that “The Viper” Randy Orton will be making his return to SmackDown this Friday Night SmackDown live in Brooklyn.

Following which, SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis welcomed him with a tweet on X, “Looking forward to welcoming the great Randy Orton to SmackDown this Friday live from Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York.”

Randy Orton’s last match before his 18 months hiatus was on SmackDown, where RK-Bro defended their Raw Tag Team Championship against The Usos and lost. During the match, Orton was brutally beaten by The Bloodline, which was the reason behind his back injury.

Orton on Raw said that he is looking forward to revenge against The Bloodline, and punish each and every member of them. Jey Uso met him and cleared that he is no longer in The Bloodline and escaped from being prey to the ‘Apex Predator’, however his brothers and cousin are in SmackDown.

Could Orton able to get his hands on The Bloodline this week is the biggest expectation upon Orton’s return announcement.

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