The in-ring career of Randy Orton seems to be in jeopardy after the recent update that he has been advised by doctors not to return to the ring. The 14-time world champion has been out for a year now with an injury and has reportedly been recuperating from back fusion surgery. Orton, who recently completed 20 years with WWE, has been one of the most legendary figures in the world of pro wrestling.
After spending almost his entire career as a despicable heel, Orton has seen his career shift from being the Legend Killer to The Apex Predator. As part of Evolution, he was thrust into the limelight alongside greats such as Ric Flair and Triple H. However, after years of being a villainous figure in wrestling, The Viper finally turned face and was enjoying a glorious tag team run alongside Matt Riddle.
The former world champion’s team with Riddle came to be known as the RK-Bro as they started teaming up in 2021. The duo enjoyed two reigns with the RAW Tag Team Titles and were seemingly looking invincible until one day, The Usos struck. Heading into 2022, there were murmurs that The Viper could be suffering from a legitimate back injury. However, he still defended the tag team titles against The Street Profits and also participated in the WrestleMania Backlash.
However, on May 20, 2022, a tag team title unification match was set between RK-Bro and The Usos on SmackDown. The match was in the balance for most of the time, as the two decorated tag teams tried to outdo each other move for move. Ultimately, dastardly tactics from Roman Reings led to The Usos becoming the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, a title they held until WrestleMania 39.
What is the current condition of Randy Orton?
Since losing the titles to The Usos, it was revealed that Randy Orton was indeed going through a legitimate back injury. While the extent of the injury was not known, it was speculated that he would not return for the rest of 2022. The already disappointing news turned into a disaster when it was reported that The Viper underwent back fusion surgery.
After being out of action for almost a year, fans saw a glimmer of hope when it was widely speculated that Orton could return after WrestleMania 39. However, that possibility is now slim. Speaking to Sportskeeda’s Bill Apter, Randy Orton’s father and Hall of Famer Bob Orton revealed that doctors have asked The Viper never to return to the ring.
Randy Orton is one of the best to ever step into WWE.
If his retirement is coming sooner than we’d like, he leaves a legacy few others will touch or even approach.
An absolute legend. pic.twitter.com/OUqdUg03JK
— Just Talk Wrestling (@JustTalkWrestle) May 14, 2023
“He’s training, so we’ll see what happens,” Bob Orton said. “I don’t know if he feels like going back. If he feels like going back or if he feels like he’s ready to go back, I think he might,” Bob Orton said. “Then again, he’s pretty well taken care of. I don’t think he needs to. I think the doctors have told him not to.”
Bob Orton added that despite the warning, Randy Orton has always been someone who does what he wishes to do. Therefore, a return to the ring cannot be ruled out yet. If the Viper ever returns to the ring, it remains to be seen whether he will go back to teaming up with Matt Riddle or come back as a heel.
