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Randy Orton has been away from WWE programming following his loss to Cody Rhodes<\/a> in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One. Amid his absence, there has been widespread speculation about his status and impending return. A new report has surfaced about Orton’s potential involvement in the world title scene heading into SummerSlam 2026.<\/p>\n The Viper turned heel on the Road to ‘Mania 42 and backstabbed Cody Rhodes. Despite receiving help from popular sports analyst Pat McAfee, Orton was unsuccessful in dethroning The American Nightmare at The Show of Shows. During the title match, the legend was seen favoring his back, prompting speculation about a potential injury. However, Orton revealed that he was enjoying his summer break before returning to go after the world title again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/template><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \nThanks for the submission!\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n <\/template><\/p>\n In recent weeks, rumors have been circulating about Randy Orton’s much-awaited return. Many expect him to show up on the upcoming episode of RAW in Chicago and influence the outcome of the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Sami Zayn and Cody Rhodes.<\/p>\n Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful<\/a><\/em> recently reported that contrary to rumors, Orton wasn’t expected to return next week on RAW. Moreover, The Viper would not play a part in the Undisputed WWE Championship feud on the road to SummerSlam 2026.<\/p>\n Sami Zayn dethroned Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion at Night of Champions this past Saturday. Gunther was also part of the bout, but Rhodes suffered the deciding pinfall. On the upcoming episode of RAW in Chicago, The American Nightmare will aim to regain the gold in a huge title match against Zayn<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following Randy Orton’s much-awaited heel turn, many fans expected him to finally win his 15th WWE World Championship. However, Orton’s WrestleMania 42 program was arguably spoiled by Pat McAfee’s unexpected inclusion. At The Show of Shows, The Viper suffered yet another humiliating loss in a major title contest.<\/p>\n Ric Flair, who worked closely with Orton for years as part of Evolution, recently commented on his WWE booking. On the Doul3 Coverage Podcast<\/em>, The Nature Boy said the company was not utilizing Orton’s full potential<\/a> as a pro wrestler. Flair added that The Viper is the best male superstar in the sports entertainment juggernaut today.<\/p>\n It will be interesting to see when Orton returns to WWE and whether he can capture his 15th world title this year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Ric Flair isn’t fond of Randy Orton’s WWE booking<\/h2>\n