Randy Orton may have been pulled from Fanatics Fest, but don’t assume he’s staying away from New York.
When fans found out The Viper’s autograph signings and photo ops had been canceled, most assumed he just wasn’t making the trip. Refunds went out, his name disappeared from the schedule, and that seemed to be the end of it.
Apparently not. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, people on both the WWE side and the Fanatics side still expect Orton to be in New York City this weekend—even though fans won’t be meeting him. That wasn’t just coming from WWE, either.
“Sources within WWE indicate that despite Randy Orton’s autograph and photo opportunities being pulled from Fanatics Fest, he is still expected to be in New York City this weekend for the weekend’s events. We’re also told that those at Fanatics are expecting the Apex Predator to be in attendance. While his scheduled appearances have been removed, the expectation on both sides remains that Randy Orton will still be there.”
That’s what has everyone scratching their heads. If Orton is still going to New York, why pull him from every public appearance? Joey Votes admitted he wasn’t sure what to make of it, noting that Orton is still expected in town despite fans who bought meet-and-greet packages already receiving refunds.
“We’ve heard it from both sides that he’s scheduled to be in town, although he’s not taking pictures or signing autographs… I don’t know what to make of this.”
His co-host, TC, couldn’t help but wonder if WWE is simply trying to keep Orton away from fans before whatever comes next. If Orton spent all weekend signing autographs and posing for photos, fans would naturally spend every conversation asking one question: When are you coming back?
Keeping him out of sight could preserve that surprise. TC floated the possibility of Orton popping up somewhere during Fanatics Fest or even at Saturday Night’s Main Event inside Madison Square Garden, but he was careful to frame it as nothing more than his own theory. Before anyone ran with the idea, WrestleVotes immediately clarified the situation.
“That’s just speculation on our part. We’re not reporting that he’s returning at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The report here is that he’s expected to be in New York City, although he’s been pulled from the event. We’re just trying to read between the lines.”
Considering Orton hasn’t appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 42, where he attacked Cody Rhodes after falling short in their Undisputed WWE Championship match, that’s enough to get people talking. He later joked on social media that he was simply “milking it” while enjoying his summer before chasing world title number 15, but his status has remained one of WWE’s biggest unanswered questions.
Now there’s another twist. Orton may not be signing autographs. He may not be taking photos. But if this report is accurate, he’ll still be in New York—and that’s bound to have fans watching a little more closely this weekend.
Do you think Randy Orton is simply in New York for Fanatics Fest, or is WWE setting the stage for something bigger? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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