After being defeated by John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash 2025, Randy Orton set for WWE return match has been confirmed for this week’s SmackDown event. Orton’s comeback arrives after several weeks of absence, as fans await his performance in a critical four-way bout that could lead to a title opportunity.
Orton’s Break Ends With High-Stakes SmackDown Four-Way
Randy Orton’s loss to John Cena at Backlash 2025 marked a significant turning point, with Cena closing out their rivalry and moving forward as The Franchise Player. Since that defeat, Orton, known as The Viper, has remained off WWE television, causing speculation among fans about when he would return and how he would re-enter the title scene. WWE has responded by confirming Orton’s return during the upcoming episode of SmackDown, setting the stage for a highly anticipated match.
This week, Orton will enter a pivotal four-way contest against LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes, with the winner earning advancement in the King of the Ring tournament. The men’s tournament is part of a larger build-up to the King of the Ring and Queen of the Ring finals, which are scheduled to take place at Night of Champions in Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on June 28, 2025. This storyline development gives fans both context and a timeline for Orton’s potential quest to capture gold once again.
Men’s Tournament Details and Key Contenders
The first round of the men’s King of the Ring tournament already saw action earlier this week, with Sami Zayn securing victory over Penta, Dominik Mysterio, and Bron Breakker during Monday Night RAW. Now, the focus shifts to SmackDown, where Randy Orton, LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes will battle for the right to move one step closer to the finals in Riyadh.
Among the competitors, Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes have established their reputations as notable names within WWE, but audience excitement surrounds a possible showdown between Orton and Zayn in the semi-finals. Based on current storylines and prior performances, Orton is seen as having a stronger chance than most of his competitors to emerge victorious in the upcoming match.
Regarding LA Knight, available reports suggest that his chances of winning on SmackDown are low, as he is rumored to be set for a match against Seth Rollins at Night of Champions. This potential scheduling conflict would eliminate him from advancing to the King of the Ring finals, further highlighting Orton’s chances in the field.
Other Notable Developments in WWE
The upcoming Night of Champions event will not only feature the King and Queen of the Ring finals but is also set against the broader backdrop of WWE’s evolving landscape. Recent news includes R-Truth’s unexpected return to WWE television, a moment that delighted viewers and demonstrated Triple H’s commitment to keeping fans entertained. Elsewhere, Dominik Mysterio honored the memory of Ediie Guerrero by taking a title to Guerrero’s grave.
Meanwhile, changes in AEW’s partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery were announced, potentially impacting AEW’s TV and streaming distribution in years to come. Additional storylines involve Becky Lynch’s rumored involvement with Seth Rollins’ faction and ongoing pushes for rising WWE stars as the company builds toward its next batch of premium live events.
What’s Next for Orton and WWE?
As anticipation builds for SmackDown, all eyes will be on Randy Orton set for WWE return match against some of WWE’s top talent. With a possible path to headline the Night of Champions event in Riyadh and secure a major title shot, Orton’s return injects fresh momentum into WWE’s ongoing tournaments and storylines. The results of the four-way match will help determine the roster’s future direction and keep the WWE Universe engaged as the summer’s biggest events approach.
