WWE star Randy Orton has recently faced criticism from fans and family after being noticeably absent from several major company celebrations. Despite his status as a veteran performer, Orton was not included in key WWE milestone events such as the 25th anniversaries of both RAW and SmackDown, the RAW Netflix premiere, and ESPN’s WWE launch event at Wrestlepalooza. This exclusion has led to a growing backlash, highlighting tensions around his current booking in WWE.
The lack of appearances during these prestigious occasions has drawn the attention of the WWE fanbase, who see it as a sign of disrespect toward Orton’s legacy. One fan highlighted the pattern on Instagram, pinpointing multiple high-profile events from which Orton was omitted, noting,
“Well this ain’t first time Orton being left out of a major WWE event. Raw 25th Anniversary ❌ SmackDown 25th Anniversary ❌ Raw Netflix Premiere ❌ ESPN Premiere ❌ And few more… DISRESPECT AFTER DISRESPECT.”
Orton’s wife, Kim, responded to this fan’s observation with a simple agreement, writing,
You ain’t wrong.
Fan Reactions Amplify Concerns About Orton’s WWE Role
Orton’s absence from prominent WWE functions has ignited speculation about his standing within the company. Known as “The Viper,” he has built a decorated career, yet these recent omissions suggest a diminished role in the company’s current landscape. Fans are questioning the motivations behind WWE’s booking decisions, especially given the timing of these landmark events that celebrate the history and legacy of the brand.
This backlash signals an ongoing debate within the WWE Universe about how veterans like Orton are being utilized, with many advocating for greater recognition of his contributions during major programming moments. The discussions reflect a larger conversation about WWE’s creative direction and how it values established talent.
Recent WWE Activity and Related Talent Updates
In related WWE news, Logan Paul recently competed at the Clash in Paris pay-per-view, falling short against John Cena. Paul remains under a multi-year contract since 2021 and is currently listed as a free agent internally, enabling appearances across both RAW and SmackDown. Through 2025, he has participated in nine matches.
Separately, former WWE star Rob Van Dam shared his thoughts on missed match opportunities during a recent episode of his 1 Of A Kind podcast. Van Dam, sidelined due to two broken heels, expressed regret over not facing John Cena again. He explained,
“I was kinda looking forward to the possibilities of having a return match with Cena, because that match was just so standout-ish and the crowd was so awesome. It’d be cool to see what we could do revisiting that scenario in 2025 — or if we’re talking ’26, whatever.”
Van Dam elaborated on how a returning match might have played out given Cena’s heel turn, considering potential crowd reactions depending on the venue and character alignments within the storyline.
He further shared his preference regarding potential opponents, revealing,
I would have rather had the match with Bret. Bret — I was a little bit more on Bret’s side when it came to the ‘Bret Hart or Shawn Michaels’ side. So that would have been something. And I still am good friends with Bret. I like the guy a lot, a lot of respect for him.
Wider WWE Backstage Developments and Talent Relations
A series of backstage stories continue to emerge within WWE and the broader wrestling scene. Topics include controversies like MJF’s ongoing snub of his wife Alicia Atout, Mercedes Mone’s upcoming projects, and notable statements from WWE legends like Booker T criticizing John Cena’s heel turn. Additionally, the WWE community follows updates regarding prominent talents, including Brock Lesnar’s future plans and reactions to ESPN’s rating of Wrestlepalooza.
The wrestling world also has seen movements such as an announcement from a reigning women’s title holder regarding pregnancy and title vacancy, as well as speculation about high-profile returns on WWE programming. These developments reflect a busy period filled with significant storyline shifts and personal updates from the roster.
Implications of Orton’s Booking and Future WWE Direction
The ongoing exclusion of Randy Orton from marquee WWE events raises important questions about his character’s trajectory and the company’s creative priorities. Given Orton’s longstanding impact and fan loyalty, the current booking approach risks alienating a segment of the WWE audience and undermining the recognition of established stars.
As WWE prepares for upcoming shows and anniversaries, it remains to be seen whether Orton’s role will expand once again or continue to be minimized. His wife Kim’s public acknowledgment of fan criticism illustrates that this issue resonates beyond just the fan community, potentially influencing WWE’s internal discussions on talent management and presentation.
Looking ahead, WWE’s decisions on how Randy Orton will be featured could affect audience engagement, veteran representation, and the company’s ability to balance honoring legacy stars with promoting new talent. The backlash serves as a critical reminder of the passion surrounding Orton and the expectations tied to his place within WWE’s evolving landscape.
