Some thought Randy Orton's career was very close to its end, because the former world champion had suffered numerous defeats in the PLE in the last year and a half and injuries had limited the number of his appearances in the recent past.
'The Viper' had been knocked out by a serious physical issue in the last part of last season, an unforeseen event that had forced him to miss the first months of 2025, including the Raw premiere on Netflix in Los Angeles.
However, Randy never gave up and promised that he would return to perform with his usual ambition. The support of his family was crucial to allow him to return to the ring faster than expected, considering that he appeared during Elimination Chamber already in early March.
He immediately resumed his feud with Kevin Owens – which had resulted in his injury at the end of 2024 – but their scheduled showdown at WrestleMania 41 did not take place because the Canadian veteran suffered a serious neck injury.
When KO announced to WWE Universe that he would not participate in the most prestigious event of the season, Orton was also very heartbroken for his friend and had to face Joe Hendry in Las Vegas. Subsequently, the 'Legend Killer' challenged John Cena to WWE Backlash and unleashed a performance above expectations, but the 17-time world champion prevailed thanks to a very clever strategy.
Randy wants to face Cody
After taking a short break from WWE, Randy made his in-ring return and qualified for the final of the 'King of the Ring' tournament, in which he will face one between Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes. The final will be staged at 'Night of Champions', the controversial show scheduled in Saudi Arabia on June 28.
During the press conference to present SummerSlam – the most anticipated event of the summer – Orton was asked who he would prefer to face in Saudi Arabia and he admitted that he would like to challenge 'The American Nightmare'.