What Career-Threatening Injury Kept Randy Orton Away From WWE for 18 Months?

On Monday Night RAW, Cody Rhodes left WWE fans buzzing as he announced the return of ‘The Viper’. Randy Orton, the 14-time World Champion, has been missing from action for 18 months now. The 43-year-old will make his return at Survivor Series, and as per Rhodes, will aid his team in mounting a defense against The Judgment Day.

With WWE confirming his comeback, fans cannot wait to see Orton in in-ring action. While fans are naturally excited since the announcement was made on the November 20th episode of the flagship brand, let’s find out what kept The Legend Killer out of action for so long.

Tag team title defeat and long hiatus

Randy Orton faced a career-threatening injury, keeping him out of WWE for 18 months. Following his tag team success with Matt Riddle as RK-Bro, they lost to The Usos in May 2022. Soon after, reports surfaced about Orton’s legitimate back injury. Earlier his father, WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton, revealed that his son is training, though doctors advised against it. 

With a rare lower back fusion, doctors are cautious due to unknown repercussions in the wrestling world. This surgery, also known as ‘spinal fusion,’ stabilizes the spine and reduces pain by connecting two or more bones. Recovery typically takes six months to a year. It has been over a year since Orton had the surgery. Now, fans were hopeful for his return in the next few months, eagerly anticipating WWE’s plans for him. Despite doctors’ warnings, The Viper’s determination leads him back to the ring.

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Orton took a hiatus due to a back injury, necessitating surgery. Speculations arose in September when he was spotted at the WWE Performance Center, hinting at a potential return. Confirming these rumors, Orton is officially back. WWE teased Orton’s comeback in recent weeks, and it was finally validated on Monday’s episode of WWE Raw.

Randy Orton’s thrilling WWE comeback announcement

WWE icon Randy Orton is making a long-awaited return after a back injury sidelined him since 2022. The announcement came on Monday Night RAW, revealing Orton as the fifth member of Cody Rhodes’ team for Saturday’s Survivor Series: WarGames.

The dramatic inclusion followed discussions about potential teammates, including hints at allies from RAW and SmackDown. Cody Rhodes‘ reference to calling an “old friend” concluded with the official confirmation of Orton’s return, much to the excitement of fans. The Apex Predator‘s absence and rumors of a comeback had been circulating since his appearance at the WWE Performance Center in September.

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Catch the Survivor Series WarGames pay-per-view event streaming live this Saturday, November 25 at 8/7c on Peacock.