Randy Orton WWE Return Plans

WWE

Absent since his WrestleMania 42 Night One loss to Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton looks set to return to WWE television soon. 

While “The Viper” has already been advertised for a specific date this month, there could be numerous ways that he makes his big return.

Here are five potential plans for Randy Orton making his return to WWE soon.

5. Reunite With Cody Rhodes

Few WWE stars could take a short hiatus after a heel turn then come back to a warm reception, however Randy Orton is the exception.

Certainly able to lend a hand to Cody Rhodes in an important moment of need, perhaps a scheduled appearance from Orton has already given some clues.

Advertised to appear at the May 29 edition of WWE SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain — the last episode of WWE TV before the Clash in Italy 2026 — there could be a big reunion on the cards.

Able to save Rhodes from some sort of GUNTHER attack, Orton could end up endearing himself to the audience, even if redemption from Rhodes’ character on-screen comes later.

4. Attack Cody Rhodes

While perhaps peace is the in the future for the former friends turned rivals, it seems more likely that Randy Orton isn’t done terrorizing Cody Rhodes just yet.

Since the Viper has been advertised to be appearing at the May 29 WWE SmackDown, it could certainly be that his return comes from out of nowhere in advance.

With the May 22 edition of SmackDown hailing from Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, a surprise attack could come ahead of the UK tour dates.

Reigniting their feud before Rhodes takes on GUNTHER at Clash in Italy, the Undisputed WWE Champion could find himself with two major threats coming after him.

3. Switch Brands To WWE Raw

While the advertised appearance for Orton on SmackDown is notable, it doesn’t mean he is there to stay.

Potentially set to just pop-up on SmackDown to close out any potential storyline with Cody Rhodes, there could be a brand switch ahead for Randy Orton.

Able to take on the likes of newcomers like Joe Hendry and Je’Von Evans as well as veteran fan favorites Seth Rollins or LA Knight, Orton could bring his heelish antics to a whole new locker room.

It would certainly seem odd not to have Orton and Rhodes resume their rivalry, WWE could put it on ice until later in the year, or perhaps even next year’s WrestleMania, if they separated the pair on Raw and SmackDown.

2. Mystery Attacker Of GUNTHER

While WWE Raw was plagued by the mystery of the revolving masked men that eventually was revealed to be the work of Seth Rollins, perhaps a mystery attacker may strike on SmackDown.

Taking aim at GUNTHER in order to knock him out of contention for the Undisputed WWE Championship, there could be a vicious off or on-screen attack that leads to a change in plans.

Teeing up the return of Randy Orton ahead of Clash in Italy to take over the spot vacated up by GUNTHER, the bout could end up with a non-conclusive finish to set up an intriguing summer three-way feud.

With Orton able to later be revealed as GUNTHER’s attacker, there would be motivation for “The Ring General” to take aim at Orton as well.

1. Lead A New Faction

One route forward for the return of Randy Orton could be for him to be the leader of a brand new faction.

Bringing together several top foes, there is one configuration that could add the most insult to injury in terms of aligning against Cody Rhodes.

Throwing in an interesting twist, Orton could find himself the catalyst for a reunion of two other former friends turned rivals of Rhodes.

If Team RKO was built out to include the reunion of Royce Keys and Ricky Saints, the personal element of betrayal for Cody could become a massive character motivation headed into SummerSlam season.

To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!

• wwe
• Randy Orton

Share this article with friends