Backstage update on Randy Orton's WWE return timeline from injury

‘The Viper’ has been out of action since last month

‘The Viper’ Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since the 11/08 episode of Friday Night SmackDown where he was attacked by his former pal Kevin Owens.

The two stars clashed in the ring following their match at Crown Jewel 2024 PLE which never began as both started brawling outside the ring.

During the confrontation on the Crown Jewel fallout episode of the Blue brand Owens and Orton started a brawl which ended when KO landed the controversial and widely banned move, the Piledriver that caused major injury to Orton’s head and neck.

As per the WWE, Orton has been diagnosed with cervical cord neurapraxia, and no return timeline was revealed by the promotion. The Viper has been absent from WWE programming since the attack.

He last wrestled on the 10/25 episode of the Blue Brand where he teamed with Cody Rhodes to battle the Imperium (Gunther & Ludwig Kaiser). Following his absence there has been multiple speculation on his return especially with the Monday Night Raw debut on Netflix ahead.

Randy Orton is not scheduled to be a part of the debut episode of Raw on Netflix

Despite fan speculations, reports revealed that Orton is currently not scheduled to be a part of the debut episode of Monday Night Raw on Netflix. The debut episode is set for next week on January 6 at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.

Randy Orton is currently not scheduled for the #WWERAW on Netflix debut show. #WWE pic.twitter.com/BvwOinaDyG

— KN Wrestling (@knwrestling) December 27, 2024

A fan inquired about Orton’s WWE return during a recent live Q&A session with WrestleVotes, seeking an update on the veteran superstar’s status.

Responding to the fan query, WrestleVotes revealed that Orton will be back in the mix by the Royal Rumble PLE, maybe even before the PLE in January.

“By the Royal Rumble, you know, if not on February 1st, it’ll be beforehand. So yeah, very soon.”

This year’s spectacle, aptly dubbed Royal Rumble: Indianapolis, will break tradition by taking place on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the iconic Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana marking the first time in history the event will happen outside of January.

A clash between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens is set for the PLE in February. The two former friends will lock horns in a ladder match with Rhodes’ Undisputed title on the line.

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