Earlier this month, it was reported that, after undergoing fusion back surgery late last year, WWE's current plan is to have Randy Orton back in the ring by Survivor Series.
The show takes place on Saturday, November 25, and is currently expected to pit RAW against SmackDown following the appointment of specific General Managers for each show. Today, we have an update and it sounds like WWE will pull out all the stops to welcome The Viper back into the fold.
According to the @WrestleVotes Twitter/X account, "Regarding the Randy Orton return rumors, source states new merchandise & branding has been approved. Also, WWE will present a large social media promotion / digital material for the comeback. It’s indeed happening. Likely Survivor Series or that weekend."
The last time we saw The Viper in the ring was when he and Matt Riddle lost the RAW Tag Team Championships in a match against The Usos on SmackDown last May. There had been rumblings at the time Orton might be dealing with a nagging back injury, and he was written off television following a storyline attack by Roman Reigns.
Original plans called for Orton to return and challenge the Head of the Table, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, for the title at SummerSlam, though we've also heard WWE wanted Orton to come back and turn on his former tag team partner (which obviously won't be happening now Riddle has been fired).
The moment to reunite and then break up RK-Bro has passed following Riddle's release but there's definitely a place for the former WWE Champion on WWE programming, whether it be on RAW or SmackDown.
Earlier this, Randy's father, the legendary Cowboy Bob Orton, has claimed doctors have told his son not to wrestle again. However, in September, there were rumblings online that Orton had reported to the WWE Performance Center. That suggests he's been preparing for an in-ring return and it's easy to understand why the company will want him back for their fourth and final huge PLE of the year.
Survivor Series takes place in Chicago and, for a time, it appeared that was where CM Punk would make his return to the company. However, with rumours swirling that WWE has decided the Best in the World isn't worth the hassle, an appearance from Orton could make up for any disappointment caused by Punk's absence (after all, a lot of people in the crowd will be expecting to see the hometown hero).
Hopefully, an official announcement will be made by WWE soon.