Randy Orton’s return to WWE has sparked conversation, with Hall of Famer JBL advocating for The Viper to receive more television time. After Orton’s dramatic comeback on the first extended SmackDown episode of 2026, JBL expressed his view that WWE should capitalize on Orton’s star power as much as possible, making Randy Orton WWE return a central topic in the wrestling community.
JBL Urges WWE to Feature Orton More Prominently
The Miz tried to take the spotlight during SmackDown by voicing his frustrations about being underappreciated, but Randy Orton interrupted the segment with his signature RKOs, immediately shifting the show’s momentum. JBL, in an exclusive discussion with Video Gamer, emphasized that a performer of Orton’s caliber brings a unique energy to WWE programming and argued for an increased presence on weekly TV despite acknowledging concerns about overexposure.
“It is hard to say. I would have him on TV more, in my personal opinion, yes. But you put him on TV more, maybe that can be a negative thing. You don’t know until you do it, and I don’t think you can get too much Randy Orton. I think he’s that good. But I don’t know the answer to that. He is as big a star as there is. When he comes out, everything changes, and that’s important. There are very few guys in business that [sic] can do that. Randy’s one of those guys. So something is going very right with Randy right now.”
– JBL, Hall of Famer (H/T: Video Gamer)
JBL, whose experience in the wrestling industry is extensive, regards Orton as an irreplaceable talent whose presence acts as a catalyst for heightened fan engagement. The Hall of Famer acknowledged the balance between exposure and anticipation but maintained his belief in Orton’s exceptional ability to elevate the WWE product.
Orton’s Momentum Could Lead to a Championship Spotlight
The buzz around Randy Orton WWE return extends beyond weekly TV, as his comeback has quickly become a trending topic on social platforms, with videos collecting millions of views. Wrestling analyst Andrew Bydala shared on social media that Orton is rumored to be on track for a major championship opportunity. Reports suggest that Cody Rhodes may defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against his former mentor, Randy Orton, at the Royal Rumble event in Saudi Arabia later this year.
Before Orton can officially enter the title scene, Cody Rhodes must first contend with Drew McIntyre. Their rivalry is set to escalate when they face off in a Three Stages of Hell Match next week, adding further excitement to WWE’s ongoing storylines. The prospect of Orton challenging for gold injects new energy into WWE’s championship picture and provides further incentive for the company to keep him at the forefront of its programming.
What Orton’s Increased Presence Means for WWE
Randy Orton’s renewed visibility in WWE has re-energized both the fan base and the company’s weekly shows. His status as a major attraction, combined with possible title contention, presents WWE with an opportunity to drive ratings and maintain momentum into marquee events like the Royal Rumble. With personalities like Miz and Drew McIntyre also in the mix, the landscape remains dynamic, but Orton’s role as a game-changing performer appears as vital as ever following his headline-making return.
RANDY ORTON IS BACK!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rgIh0ESrMX
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
