Randy Orton has been off WWE TV since October but could be back in time for the 2026 Royal Rumble. Have you missed him?

Randy Orton has been missing from WWE programming for months. The Viper was advertised for the December 5 edition of WWE SmackDown, but no-showed at the event.

It’s been nearly two months since Randy Orton has been away from WWE programming. On the October 3, 2025, edition of SmackDown, Orton and Cody Rhodes lost to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in a tag team match. The Viper was written off television after The Vision brutally laid waste to him.

Vicious and unnecessary promo lines aside, it's safe to say that Orton was valuable to SmackDown. He'd been one of the top names on the brand since moving in the 2005 Draft, but all of that changed shortly after WrestleMania 22. Randy was suspended in April for 60 days and then returned in June on Raw.

Randy Orton sends a message to the fans while doing a promotional spot for WWE Royal Rumble 2026 in Saudi Arabia.

Several WWE stars — including Randy Orton, Liv Morgan, Grayson Waller, and Omos — are currently in Saudi Arabia taking part in promotional activities ahead of the 2026 Royal Rumble pay-per-view event, which will be held in Riyadh.

Randy Orton, known as “The Viper”, is one of the most iconic athletes in the history of WWE. After a recent absence from TV, the 14-time world champion is reportedly gearing up for his big return. Wrestling media are pointing to the December 5, 2025 ...

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A WWE legend has confirmed his status for the "Royal Rumble 2026" event.