Randy Orton, since aligning with Riddle as RKBro, has been on one of the best runs of form in his career, with the Viper undoubtably one of the most popular acts across the current roster.
Unfortunately, Orton is currently sidelined with a back injury, and Fightful Select have now provided an update on the potential time frame for Orton’s recovery, with the news being far from positive.
“Fightful has learned that Orton has been dealing with a back injury for quite some time, to the point he actually had work done to improve his condition before the tag team title unification match, though we aren’t sure of the extent of the “work” that was done. We’re told that things have gotten progressively worse, and WWE fears that Orton will be forced to undergo a surgery. WWE sources that we spoke to said that if that happens, Orton would likely be out of action the rest of 2022. Thus far the exact injury is unknown.”
-Fightful
Fightful continued, noting that Orton’s injury has resulted in creative plans for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship scene being changed, with his partner Riddle now assuming the role originally slated for Orton.
“Fightful was told that Randy Orton isn’t factored into creative plans for WWE at the moment, after being slated for a huge role this summer. Orton appeared on a recent internal injury report for the company, and has been off WWE television since his title loss to the Usos on May 20. His former tag team partner Riddle has been moved into a title program with Roman Reigns, that we’re told was pitched for Orton. As of last month, Orton had been pitched and heavily figured in to Summerslam plans, which are now in question, to say the least.”
-Fightful
Fightful then noted that they heard nothing back when reaching out to Randy Orton and WWE directly, although whilst they acknowledged that a remarkable recovery can never be ruled out, the change in creative plans suggests that this injury is certainly a long-term issue.
Riddle is set to challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship this Friday on Smackdown, with the stipulation being that should Riddle lose, he can never challenge for the titles again whilst Reigns is champion.
Multiple reports in recent months confirmed that the plan for Reigns’ title decence at this year’s Summerslam was for him to face Randy Orton, although plans are now expected to change. As always we wish Randy Orton the best in his recovery, and look forward to seeing him back on our screens when the time is right.
