Add as a preferred source on Google Randy Orton has not appeared on WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, and the reason for his absence has finally become clearer.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Orton is dealing with a back injury. Meltzer said that is why “The Viper” has not returned since his match against Cody Rhodes, and it may have directly influenced the outcome at the event.
Before WrestleMania, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter had already noted that Orton was heading into the show “hurting,” and that a win over Rhodes could be ruled out if he needed to take time off after the event.
In the main event of night one, Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship, while Orton attacked the champion after the match, keeping the rivalry open. During its coverage, PWTorch also noted that there had already been rumors of a back injury for Orton that week.
[🔴]NEW:Randy Orton is reportedly recovering from a back injury.
— SuplexInsider (@SuplexInsider) May 17, 2026
Which is the reason that he’s not returned after Wrestlemania.
(via @WONF4W) pic.twitter.com/BUrt4EwzVi
The issue stands out because Orton previously missed 18 months after undergoing spinal fusion surgery, only returning at Survivor Series: WarGames in 2023.
WWE kept the story alive on the following SmackDown, when Rhodes mentioned that Orton was not there and brought up the Punt Kick he took at WrestleMania.
Despite that, Orton is already advertised for the May 29 episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Barcelona, the final show before Clash In Italy. It remains to be seen whether he will return only for a segment or if he will be cleared to wrestle.