Randy Orton’s recent absence from WWE television appears to be tied to a significant ongoing injury rather than a standard storyline break.
After speculation about his return began to build, Randy Orton has now been linked to a serious back issue that has reportedly persisted for years. Orton has been off WWE programming since WrestleMania 42 following his loss to Cody Rhodes.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Orton’s absence is directly connected to the injury, which has been a long-term problem throughout his career.
“Back injury. That’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania and it’s probably why he didn’t win the title.”
Meltzer added that the situation is not new and has been an issue that previously placed Orton’s career in doubt.
“He’s got a back injury and it’s significant. He’s had it for years. It almost ended his career, came back, still there and that’s why he’s been out.”
Orton’s WWE absence came after a major post-WrestleMania angle where he attacked Rhodes following their match. The storyline saw Orton strike Rhodes with the championship before delivering a punt kick, closing out his latest television appearance.
In the weeks since, WWE has begun advertising Orton for the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain, leading many to assume that a return was imminent. However, the new report suggests that while plans may be in motion, his physical condition remains a major factor in when and how he returns.
There had also been speculation that Orton was in line for a potential WWE Championship win at WrestleMania 42 before creative direction changed, with Cody Rhodes ultimately retaining the title.
For now, Orton’s status remains uncertain, with his return dependent on how his long-standing back issue is managed moving forward.
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