Randy Orton Confirms Date for WWE Return Amid Television Absence

Randy Orton has officially confirmed what fans have been speculating for weeks—he’s coming back.

After being off WWE TV since October 2025, The Viper made his return crystal clear during a promotional appearance in Saudi Arabia, directly confirming that he’ll be part of both SmackDown and the Royal Rumble weekend events in Riyadh in January.

“This is Randy Orton with WWE, and I’m at The Grove. I want to remind everybody that tickets are still on sale for the Royal Rumble coming to Riyadh in January, and tickets are also still on sale for SmackDown.”

Then, without leaving any room for doubt, Randy Orton absolutely made it clear he will be seeing fans on the January 30th edition of SmackDown and the Royal Rumble on January 31.

“I’ll see you at the Royal Rumble, or I’ll see you at SmackDown.”

The announcement comes right after WWE dropped the official SmackDown poster for the January 30, 2026 episode in Saudi Arabia—where Orton was featured front and center. While big names like Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and Aleister Black are already confirmed for the show, it’s Orton’s spot on the artwork that first raised eyebrows. Now, with this promo, it’s official: The Viper is striking again.

Orton’s last appearance came on the October 3, 2025 episode of SmackDown, when he and Cody Rhodes faced Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker. The match ended in a vicious post-match assault that saw Reed deliver multiple Tsunami splashes, taking Orton out of action and off TV for months.

Randy Orton’s return couldn’t come at a more perfect moment, with the Royal Rumble looming and the Road to WrestleMania kicking off with the Royal Rumble. Whether he’s coming for revenge, gold, or something else, it’s clear that the Apex Predator is ready to make an impact again.

Are you hyped to see Randy Orton return in January 2026? What do you think WWE has planned for The Viper in 2026? Drop your thoughts below and let us know!

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