WWE Officials Reportedly Concerned About Randy Orton

[Dale]

WWE is reportedly concerned about Randy Orton’s health.

As we’ve noted, Orton last wrestled on the May 20 SmackDown, where he and Matt Riddle came up short against current Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions The Usos in the match to unify the titles. There was a post-match angle that saw The Bloodline beat down RK-Bro at ringside. Orton has not been seen since then, and WWE mentioned on TV how he’s dealt with a back injury. It was then reported in mid-June how WWE officials were concerned that Orton might need surgery, which would likely have him out of the ring for the rest of 2022. Riddle mentioned during the May 23 RAW that Orton had been “having a really hard time with his back lately,” adding that he “could barely walk” before their loss to The Usos, and he then seemingly confirmed the reports on concern for Orton when he mentioned during SmackDown how Orton had “a big operation coming up.” WWE also noted during the May 27 SmackDown that Orton was “currently undergoing consultations with neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons to determine the extent of his injury and to recommend course of treatment.”

In an update, a new report from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter notes that there is a lot of concern over Orton’s back injury, and the severity of the injury.

Orton has been dealing with a back injury for quite a while now, to the point he actually had work done to improve his condition before the match to unify the tag team titles on. There’s no word on the extent of the work that was done. Despite Orton having some work done, things had gotten progressively worse, and WWE officials were worried that Orton will be forced to undergo surgery. Word from within WWE is that if surgery is needed, Orton would likely be out of action for the rest of this year. It was also noted that the exact injury was unknown. There is still no confirmation that he did undergo back surgery.

At one point Orton was planned for a big role this past summer, including a SummerSlam match with Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns.

Orton’s name was listed on an internal injury report earlier this summer, and everything is still up in the air when it comes to his immediate future with the company.

Orton has not publicly commented on his injury or in-ring future.​

Just let him take all the time he needs to get healthy and in proper order, really don't wanna be fucking around with a back injury of all things. Yeah it would be great to have him back asap given his name and everything but I think with HHH bolstering the roster, it's not as important to get him back asap like it probably would have been before.

 

[Chris]

Yeah they're fine without him rn, no point in rushing it. Pop still gonna ve crazy even if it's a year from now when he saves Riddle....then gets mega heat when he RKOs him right after

 

[John McHenry]

Yeah they have a full roster letting him take off is a no brainer for me. You can either beat your workhorse to death or let him recoupl Randy will be around for awhile if he doesn't get a career ending injury.

 

[Cwalker]

There’s no reason to rush him back. At first I thought maybe a Rumble cameo but if he’s not 100%, let him sit it out. Cody coming back for that will be memorable enough that they don’t need Randy.

Timing just sucks because you can argue this was the most over Randy has ever been as a babyface(2010 too) so like Chris said, the eventual save and turn would’ve been great. But Orrin’s said he doesn’t plan on being done anytime soon, so they’ve got time for that Riddle feud to play out.

 

[Chris]

Yeah it'd be a bit different if I felt Riddle "needed" him but he's thriving on his own

 

[Cwalker]

Can’t lie, figured Riddle would get lost with Orton out after losing to Roman but dude is still over

 

[Dale]

Orton isn't expected to be back anytime soon. He required a fusion in his lower back. People in WWE told fightful they'd be fortunate to have Orton return.

When he was initially injured, Orton insisted he'd be back. However there is no current timetable for his return nor any creative plans.

Orton is contracted through 2024, but it isn't known if time could be added due to injury or if the contract is frozen.​

 

[Sabretooth]

It’s so annoying with these vague updates. If Orton really does have to retire that’d be so fucked but that’s the business I guess.

 

[Cwalker]

I doubt he has to retire. He may miss a large chunk of 2023 though.

Question becomes with the whole RK-Bro breakup still have juice whenever he comes back

 

[Sabretooth]

I doubt he has to retire. He may miss a large chunk of 2023 though.

Question becomes with the whole RK-Bro breakup still have juice whenever he comes back

Tbh if I were WWE I’d turn him heel his first night back. I’d have him pretend he’s reuniting with Riddle then RKO him

 

[Cwalker]

Tbh if I were WWE I’d turn him heel his first night back. I’d have him pretend he’s reuniting with Riddle then RKO him

If he were returning the night after the Rumble like I initially thought when they announced his injury, I’d definitely do this. Set up him and Riddle for Mania.

But let’s say he doesn’t come back til September or October…are people going to care enough for that angle to make it to Mania 2024?

 

[Dale]

I mean i've no doubt the fans would care about a split once they get over the initial pop of him returning and there's no reason it has to stretch to Mania either. We were only calling for the Mania matchup because it would have lined up with where they were at the time.

 

[Cwalker]

This just means Riddle and Elias gonna be a permanent thing

 

[Deezy]

Man had spinal fusion and y'all act like he can be back by Mania?

 

[Sabretooth]

I estimate he won’t be back until late 2023 at the earliest.