Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since November 2024, when Kevin Owens sidelined him with a Package Piledriver on SmackDown. WWE subsequently confirmed through social media that The Viper had sustained serious injuries, with no specific timeline provided for his return.
Following Cody Rhodes’s successful Undisputed WWE Championship defense against Kevin Owens in a ladder match at the 2025 Royal Rumble, storyline developments have taken a new direction. On last week’s RAW, Owens executed a Package Piledriver on Sami Zayn, leaving him motionless in the ring and potentially setting up a new program.
According to backstage reports, Orton has not returned to WWE despite significant anticipation, with sources indicating he may not be ready to compete. This development suggests The Viper might miss WrestleMania 41, as Owens appears to be transitioning into a program with the six-time champion Zayn.
Current storyline progression indicates that Zayn, upon his return from the recent attack, could challenge Owens to a match at WrestleMania 41, building on their extensive history and the recent assault.
BREAKING: After last night's brutal attack by @FightOwensFight on #SmackDown, @RandyOrton has been diagnosed with a cervical cord neurapraxia. There is no timetable for his return. pic.twitter.com/6VhQQyTxpm
— WWE (@WWE) November 9, 2024
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