“I thought he was fu**ing with me,” Randy Orton reveals his honest reaction after Triple H told him CM Punk was returning at Survivor Series moments before his match

Discussions for CM Punk's return came about a few days before Survivor Series.

“I thought he was fu**ing with me,” Randy Orton reveals his honest reaction after Triple H told him CM Punk was returning at Survivor Series moments before his match

Randy Orton, Triple H and CM Punk (via Wrestlezone, Bleacher Report and BBC)

After nearly 18 months, Randy Orton made his return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames last November. Although it was announced earlier, the appearance of Orton at the last moment still gained huge attention. A few minutes after his comeback, though, it was The Best in the World, CM Punk, who made his emphatic return after nearly 10 years. Randy has spoken about this moment and claims to have known it on that night itself when Triple H approached him.

While talking to Sports Illustrated, Orton recalled that night when he was getting ready for his in-ring return after one and a half years at Survivor Series. That’s when The Game asked him for a minute to say a few things and concluded by saying that Punk would be returning too. The Apex Predator thought that HHH was joking and stated the same to him. But Hunter’s denial of the statement was shocking for him.

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The later is history, as The Viper came out to the aid of his babyface team against The Judgment Day. A refreshing RKO to JD McDonagh brought Orton back to his element. Meanwhile, Punk just showed up after 2014 with his iconic ‘Cult of Personality’ theme song and made history at the Allstate Arena in Chicago.

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And then he went, ‘One more thing–Punk’s returning tonight.’ I thought he was fucking with me. I said, ‘You’re joking,’ and he was like, ‘No, I’m not. This is something that just happened in the last few days.
Randy Orton about CM Punk’s return

Randy has claimed that neither returns stepped on each other while entertaining the fans equally. While the numbers speak for themselves, the Punkster’s return got the best of people with huge traction. The 14-time champion then went on SmackDown to avenge his year-long injury caused by The Bloodline. Punk stayed on Raw for his appearances and indefinite rivalry going into Royal Rumble 2024.

Randy Orton feels proud of the way he handled CM Punk’s return

While speaking with Sports Illustrated, Randy Orton mentioned how his old self would have been “p*ssed” about CM Punk’s return coinciding with his. But the current Orton found no problem with it and stated that it was a defining moment for himself. The Apex Predator feels that this is a testament to how much he has grown from being that pissed off person to an understanding individual who knows the business.

Randy Orton and CM Punk
Randy Orton and CM Punk (via WWE)

The 14-time champion stated that they had a great WarGames match and saw everyone being excited for both returns. The Viper mentioned that it would have been an issue if he wanted it to happen, but his senses disallowed that. In conclusion, Orton claims to be proud of the way he handled that situation.

Now the scenario sees The Second City Saint out of action due to his tricep injury after competing in his only match of 2024. Orton is facing off against five other men inside the Elimination Chamber Perth 2024. There are no rumors in discussion about what path Orton will take on his Road to WrestleMania 40.

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