Add as a preferred source on Google Randy Orton may be close to returning to WWE programming after being off TV for weeks since WrestleMania 42.
On its official website, WWE began advertising the Viper as one of the featured attractions for the May 29 edition of Friday Night SmackDown, set to take place at the Olimpic Arena in Barcelona, Spain. Cody Rhodes, Rhea Ripley, Jade Cargill, Drew McIntyre, and Tiffany Stratton are also among the names highlighted by the company.
Orton hasn’t been seen on TV since Night One of the Showcase of Immortals, when he was defeated by Rhodes in a match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. After the result, he attacked the champion with the title belt and hit a Punt Kick, making it clear the rivalry could still continue.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the idea behind the attack was to keep the feud between Orton and Rhodes going, now without Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll involved. The same report noted there was no confirmed injury, although Orton had been feeling something before the event.
The return, if it happens, would come at an important time. The Barcelona SmackDown will be the last episode of the blue brand before Clash In Italy, the premium live event scheduled for May 31 at the Inalpi Arena in Turin — WWE’s first PLE in Italy.
It remains to be seen whether Orton will come back on a direct path to Rhodes’ title or if WWE will use his presence in Europe simply as a gradual return to programming.