Randy Orton debunks injury speculations & provides update on his WWE return
(Courtesy : WWE)
Randy Orton teases 15th World title amid WWE absence.
Randy Orton has finally addressed the speculation surrounding his WWE absence, and according to the veteran superstar himself, there is no major concern behind the scenes.
The Apex Predator has been away from WWE programming ever since his shocking actions at WrestleMania 42, where he failed to dethrone Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes in the main event of Night One. While fans expected Orton to resume his rivalry with Rhodes immediately, the 14-time world champion quietly disappeared from television.
That absence quickly sparked concern among fans, especially after reports surfaced claiming Orton was dealing with another back injury. The rumors gained traction after longtime wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer suggested the injury had been lingering for years.
Randy Orton responds to injury speculation
Following his WrestleMania loss, Orton was seen struggling to move around the ring before eventually regaining composure and delivering a brutal Punt Kick to Cody Rhodes. The moment fueled speculation that the WWE veteran may have aggravated his surgically repaired back once again.
However, Orton has now personally dismissed those rumors. Responding to a now-deleted post on X discussing Meltzer’s report, the former WWE Champion clarified that he is simply taking time away before making his return.
“Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I’m trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15,” Orton wrote.
The statement instantly eased concerns among fans who feared another lengthy injury layoff for the future Hall of Famer. Instead, Orton appears to be positioning himself for another run at the world championship once he returns to WWE television.
Randy Orton reportedly planned for WWE’s European tour
Although WWE has not officially announced Orton’s return date, reports suggest the company is already preparing for his comeback during the upcoming European Summer Tour 2026.
WWE is set to travel across several countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and the United Kingdom, in the coming weeks. According to circulating reports, Orton is internally scheduled for the May 29 edition of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain, at the Olimpic Arena Badalona.
If the appearance materializes, it would mark Orton’s first WWE television appearance since WrestleMania 42. For now, WWE fans may have to wait a little longer, but Orton’s own comments strongly suggest the Apex Predator is far from finished and still focused on capturing world title number 15.
Why is Randy Orton absent from WWE?
Randy Orton stated that he is simply taking time off and denied rumors claiming he is sidelined with a back injury.
What was Randy Orton’s last WWE match?
Orton’s last match took place at WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Cody Rhodes in a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
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