Report: Randy Orton Not Expected Back From Injury Anytime Soon

A new report at Fightful Select provides a significant update on Randy Orton, who has been out since May with injury.

Earlier reports had Orton sidelined from WWE through the end of 2022, but the new update indicates that there is no timetable on a return for Orton.

Fightful's report claims that Orton had fusion surgery in his lower back. The report goes on to say, "There were some in WWE that told us they'd be fortunate to have him back after such a long career and the significance of the injury."

It had been reported that there were plans in place to have Orton turn on Matt Riddle following his return. However, by late September, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported that there was growing concern within WWE over the severity of Orton's injury.

The 42-year-old multi-time former World champion last competed on the May 20 episode of SmackDown. There, he and Riddle lost the Raw Tag Team titles to SmackDown champs The Usos in a unification bout. Orton was written out following a post-match beatdown from The Bloodline, in order to deal with the back injury.