Why Randy Orton Missed John Cena's Retirement Match

Several WWE legends and wrestlers from John Cena's career were in attendance for his retirement match on the December 13 edition of Saturday Night's Main Event, including the likes of Rob Van Dam, Kevin Owens, Mark Henry, and Elijah. Cena also celebrated his retirement post-match with the WWE roster, which included Cody Rhodes and long-time rival CM Punk.

One of Cena's longest-running rivals in Randy Orton was nowhere to be seen at Saturday Night's Main Event, however, as he was in Saudi Arabia for Riyadh Season and to promote Royal Rumble 2026, which will take place in the capital city of Saudi Arabia on Saturday, January 31.

Orton was part of a WWE delegation sent to Saudi Arabia that also included Liv Morgan, Omos, Grayson Waller, and Tiffany Stratton. Orton was spotted taking part in promotion for Beast Land, a temporary theme park opened in Saudi Arabia by MrBeast.

According to Fightful Select, there were some backstage at WWE Saturday Night's Main Event that were disappointed Orton was unable to make it to Washington, DC for Cena's retirement.

John Cena and Randy Orton were world title rivals in WWE from 2007 until their final match against each other at Backlash 2025.