Randy Orton WWE sidelined once more, drawing criticism from his wife Kim Orton, who expressed frustration over his limited exposure on WWE television. Despite several major events in late 2025, including landmark shows and the company’s new partnership with ESPN, Orton was noticeably absent from key moments.
Randy Orton Overlooked During WWE’s Major Events
September 2025 marked a significant moment for the wrestling world as WWE expanded its reach by debuting on ESPN’s streaming platform, widely regarded as a premier destination for sports content. During Wrestlepalooza, a star-studded event featuring talents like John Cena and Brock Lesnar, Randy Orton was noticeably off screen. The 14-time World Champion was missing from pivotal WWE occasions such as SmackDown 25, RAW 25, and the Netflix premiere, leading to questions among fans and insiders alike.
This absence caught the attention of Kim Orton on social media, where she responded directly to an Instagram post highlighting Orton’s sidelining by stating, “You ain’t wrong,” reflecting her disappointment.
Behind-the-Scenes: Drew McIntyre’s Role in Orton’s WWE Absence
In the buildup to Wrestlepalooza, Randy Orton rekindled a rivalry with Drew McIntyre, which culminated in a match on SmackDown where McIntyre secured a victory. This rivalry soon took a backseat as WWE Champion Cody Rhodes returned from injury, setting up a high-stakes title match against McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza.
Rhodes, also known as the American Nightmare, positioned himself prominently in the narrative by defeating McIntyre in the event’s main match. This victory reinforced Rhodes as the top face of WWE and suggested that McIntyre would continue chasing the title.
While Orton’s conflict with McIntyre remains unresolved, WWE appears to be holding off on pushing that storyline further. Many speculate that the company is saving Orton for a larger role, possibly developing a mentor-versus-student dynamic between him and McIntyre. Furthermore, a high-profile rivalry between Orton and Cody Rhodes is often suggested as a prime candidate for a WrestleMania headliner, adding anticipation for future developments.
Implications for Randy Orton and WWE’s Future Storylines
Randy Orton’s current absence from prominent WWE programming has drawn attention not just from fans but from his close circle as well. As WWE continues to navigate its expansion on platforms like ESPN and Netflix, Orton’s sidelining hints at strategic storytelling choices that might be setting the stage for bigger events ahead.
The pending rivalries involving Orton, Rhodes, and McIntyre remain central to WWE’s long-term booking plans. The anticipation builds around when The Viper will reengage fully in the spotlight, potentially reshaping the company’s future title picture and marquee matchups.
