Randy Orton Sets a Date for His WWE Return in 2026 as Ongoing Hiatus Continues to Baffle Fans

Randy Orton has finally revealed when the fans could expect him back on WWE television amid his ongoing hiatus.

Randy Orton Sets a Date for His WWE Return in 2026 as Ongoing Hiatus Continues to Baffle Fans

Randy Orton [via- BR Wrestling]

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The fans are growing restless over Randy Orton‘s continued absence from WWE television. But where has he been? For the unversed, ‘The Apex Predator’ is currently in Riyadh with fellow stars Liv Morgan, Omos, and Grayson Waller to promote the upcoming Royal Rumble PLE in Saudi Arabia.

In some good news for the fans, the 14-time world champion has finally confirmed his return to WWE. As seen in the following clip, Randy Orton could be heard talking about tickets being on sale for the first-ever Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.

‘The Viper’ didn’t miss out on mentioning that SmackDown will also emanate from the same venue a night before in KAFD, Riyadh. The St. Louis-born wrestling great said he’ll see the fans at those events, basically noting he’d be on the said shows.

Orton was filmed at The Groves, a premium entertainment and dining facility, which enthralled the WWE icon. In several clips posted by the chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, Turki Alalshikh, Orton visited Beast Land, a state-of-the-art theme park launched by YouTuber Mr. Beast as part of the ongoing Riyadh Season. It’s unknown at this point how much longer it will keep Orton engaged.

The fans are overly concerned about The Legend Killer’s overseas commitments keeping him from being there for John Cena‘s last match in person tonight. ‘The Apex Predator’ was surprisingly snubbed from the latest tribute video for Cena, where the likes of Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, and more hogged the limelight.

Speaking of Orton’s role in the John Cena retirement tour, he got to wrestle his longtime rival earlier this year at Backlash. In a topsy-turvy contest where these two veterans turned the clock back, ‘The Cenation Leader’ found a way to retain the WWE title after R-Truth‘s unsolicited interference marred Orton.

What’s been up with Randy Orton of late?

Randy Orton’s last televised WWE appearance resulted in a loss for him. He teamed up with Cody Rhodes to take on Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker on the October 3 episode of SmackDown. The ending saw Seth Rollins stomp Orton’s head into the mat while Paul Heyman had the referee distracted. It allowed Rollins’ then-aide Reed to hit ‘The Viper’ with a tsunami for the win.

Randy Orton
Randy Orton (via- WWE)

Orton went on a hiatus, the purpose of which remained under wraps until he posted on Instagram that he was on a vacation with his family and friends. ‘The Legend Killer’ took his loved ones to Belize to celebrate his 10th marriage anniversary with Kim Orton.

The third-generation wrestler was initially advertised for the December 5 episode of SmackDown, but WWE never announced it formally. At one point, he was rumored to cost Cody Rhodes inside WarGames at Survivor Series, which would’ve planted the seeds for their long-awaited singles match at WrestleMania 42.

Even though Orton is listed as the primary suspect on WWE’s website for that black-hooded mystery assailant, he’s unlikely to be revealed as the one. The fans have been highly critical of Orton’s general booking this year.

Many of them have argued that WWE has time and again disrespected what it has in Randy Orton by inserting him in pointless feuds. Ric Flair, someone who’s been a lifelong mentor to ‘The Apex Predator’, recently threw shade at WWE for not utilizing Orton to his potential. It’d be interesting to see whom he ends up feuding with upon returning to WWE television.

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