Randy Orton’s WWE Return Date Revealed?

Randy Orton is back on the schedule. After more than a month off WWE television, “The Viper” has been officially advertised for the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain at the Olympic Arena. The show takes place just ahead of the upcoming Clash in Italy premium live event, signaling that WWE is ready to bring Orton back into the storyline picture after weeks of absence following WrestleMania 42.

Randy Orton Returns To WWE TV Ahead Of Clash In Italy

Orton was last seen at WrestleMania 42 Night One, where he turned on his former partner Pat McAfee but ultimately lost to Cody Rhodes in the main event. Despite the loss, Orton delivered a punt kick to Rhodes after the match — a clear setup for the program to continue. With McAfee and Jelly Roll no longer in the creative picture, Orton vs. Rhodes appeared to be the obvious next step. However, Orton then vanished from WWE programming, and his absence has fueled weeks of speculation about his physical status and creative direction.

Wrestling Observer Reports On Randy Orton Injury Status

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter recently dropped an update on Orton, noting, “Randy Orton punting Rhodes after their WrestleMania match clearly was leading to keeping that program going with Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll no longer in the picture. Orton hasn’t appeared since WrestleMania. There is no confirmation of an Orton injury, but we had reported he was hurting. Before the show the plan was for Orton to win with the proviso that could be changed based on his injury status.” With Orton now advertised for SmackDown on May 29 in Barcelona, the Cody Rhodes program could finally pick back up, especially with Cody currently slated for a major WWE Championship feud with Gunther. WWE’s official event listing can be viewed here.