WWE are advertising Randy Orton for WWE events again after a couple of months on the shelf.
The Viper is listed for the December 5 episode of SmackDown, suggesting he will return to TV in the near future.
The 45-year-old is also being advertised for the December 12, December 19, and January 2 tapings of SmackDown meaning he will be around for the Royal Rumble and the start of WrestleMania season.
Orton has been off TV since an attack from The Vision on October 3 and his career has been very stop-start over the past few years by design.
The 14-time world champion signed a new contract with WWE roughly one year ago for five more years meaning he will be tied down until late 2029 at which point he’ll be approaching 50.
His new deal meant he didn’t have to work the full-time WWE schedule anymore, something particularly important after his recent injury issues.
A back issue kept him out for 18 months before he returned at the Survivor Series in 2023 – the same night CM Punk returned to the company. He also has a long history of shoulder injuries.
Still, Orton remains one of the most popular figures in WWE today. As a heel or a babyface, he still remain a relevant main eventer that the company can depend on.
John Cena is retiring in a matter of weeks, but Orton debuted on the main roster the same year as the 17-time champion (2002) and although three years younger, has just as many miles on the clock.
The Vision took Orton out, but they look a great deal different now without Seth Rollins.
Orton may well get involved at Survivor Series once again as The Vision – with the addition of Logan Paul – partner with Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar to battle Roman Reigns, The Usos, Cody Rhodes and CM Punk.
It’s unclear what direction Orton is heading for WrestleMania 42 but he did have a wildly successful surprise opponent this year in Joe Hendry, who has recently signed a full-time deal with the company.
