Randy Orton WWE return has been a major topic among fans as the veteran Superstar has not appeared on television since October 3, 2025, when he participated in a tag team match on SmackDown alongside Cody Rhodes, facing Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The bout concluded with Seth Rollins intervening to help secure the win for “The Vision.” Since then, Orton has been on hiatus, spotted vacationing with family in Belize, and his absence led to speculation about his wrestling future.
Fans anticipated Randy Orton might resurface at Saturday Night’s Main Event for John Cena’s farewell match, but the WWE had alternate plans. Instead, Orton was engaged in promotional activities for the 2026 Royal Rumble scheduled in Saudi Arabia. During this period, he commented humorously on being left out of Cena’s farewell event, joking about the idea of retirement. Nevertheless, this offhand remark fueled rumors, and an online post soon claimed he had decided to end his in-ring career.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful responded to these rumors by clarifying that Randy Orton is not retiring anytime soon and still has several years left on his current WWE contract. The speculation was, therefore, unfounded.
Confirmation of WWE Return Date
Randy Orton recently made a public appearance at the inauguration of Mr. Beast Land in Riyadh, where he directly addressed his status and future WWE appearances. During the event, he confirmed that he will be returning to Saudi Arabia next year for both SmackDown and the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event, laying to rest new and old rumors regarding his wrestling future.
“This is Randy Orton with the WWE. I am at The Grove, and I just want to remind everybody the tickets are still on sale for the Royal Rumble coming here to Riyadh at the end of January. The tickets are still on sale for SmackDown too. So make sure you get your tickets, and I will see you at the Royal Rumble, where I will see you with SmackDown, and I will 100 percent see you here at the one and only Grove.”
– Randy Orton, WWE Superstar
Orton’s statement at The Grove emphasized his concrete plans to reappear at both the Royal Rumble and a future installment of SmackDown in Saudi Arabia, offering clarity to fans regarding the timetable for his highly anticipated return.
Potential Storylines and Future Title Pursuits
Beyond merely returning to the ring, Randy Orton has sparked excitement by teasing a potential rivalry with Cody Rhodes, hinting at a future contest for the Undisputed WWE Championship. If Orton were to emerge victorious in the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, it could position him for a headline bout against Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, set to be held in Las Vegas. Such a storyline promises to captivate both long-time fans and new viewers alike, as it would revisit one of the most compelling rivalries in recent WWE history.
The confirmation of Randy Orton’s WWE return is not only reassuring for members of the WWE Universe but also signals the continuation of high-profile storylines and rivalries within the organization. As anticipation builds for his reappearance in Riyadh at SmackDown and the Royal Rumble, fans can expect Orton’s presence to significantly influence the ongoing WWE narrative in 2026 and beyond.
RANDY ORTON ISN'T RETIRING😮💨 pic.twitter.com/eftLWnUMuW
— Happylopho (@_romandis1) December 29, 2025
