WWE News: Randy Orton In-Ring Return Date Reportedly Revealed

Since Randy Orton has spent nearly a quarter of a century with the WWE, there's no doubt that the Viper is a living champion.

Once one of the most dominant heels in the company, Orton is now a fan favorite who always seems to deliver whenever he steps into the ring.

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However, Orton has been off WWE television as of late ever since Kevin Owens delivered a piledriver to him back in November.

Fans have been wondering when the Apex Predator will make his in-ring return. Now, it seems that we may have an answer.

BUFFALO, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 8: Randy Orton Enters the ring during Friday night Smackdown at KeyBank Center on November 8, 2024 in Buffalo, New York. WWE/Getty Images

During a recent live Q&A on Backstage Pass, WrestleVotes reported that, while Orton won't be coming back in time for Monday Night Raw's debut on Netflix, he will be back for another important WWE event.

"By the Royal Rumble, you know, if not on February 1st, it'll be beforehand," WrestleVotes said, per Subhojeet Mukherjee of Ringside News. "So yeah, very soon."

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While fans certainly want Orton to return as soon as possible, this could prove to be perfect timing, especially since Owens is scheduled to have a match for the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at the Royal Rumble premium live event.

This means that Orton could get his revenge on Owens and cost him the match. Or, if the writers at WWE are looking for a major swerve, he could team up with Owens and turn on Rhodes. RKOwens, anyone?

No matter what, it's exciting to see Orton still involved in the WWE main event scene, especially given his long history with the company.

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The Legend Killer first began wrestling in 2000 alongside John Cena, Brock Lesnar, and Dave Bautista.

Orton would make an immediate impact when he moved up to the main roster, joining Evolution and becoming the youngest person to win a world championship in WWE history at 24 years old.

Orton would continue his winning ways throughout the rest of his nearly 25-year career, winning the third-most world championship wins in professional wrestling history (14) behind Cena and Ric Flair (16 each).

In total, Orton has won the WWE Championship 10 times, the World Heavyweight Championship four times, the Intercontinental Championship once, the United States Championship once, and four tag team championships.

Orton has also won the Royal Rumble twice (2009, 2017) and the Money in the Bank ladder match once (2013).

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