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Randy Orton's lengthy absence from television has left the WWE Universe worrying about his future. A new report has poured cold water on The Viper's in-ring retirement rumors.
The Apex Predator was last seen in action on the October 3, 2025, edition of SmackDown.
Randy Orton joined forces with Cody Rhodes against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in a tag team match that night, which ended with Seth Rollins helping The Vision emerge victorious.
The Viper has since been away from television, having been spotted vacationing with his family in Belize. Many fans thought he would make a one-off appearance at Saturday Night's Main Event for John Cena's last-ever match.
Unfortunately, that didn't happen as WWE had other plans for Randy Orton. The Legend Killer was busy promoting the 2026 Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
During his recent tour, he addressed missing out on The Never Seen 17's last hurrah and made a tongue-in-cheek comment, saying he has decided to retire.
Whether or not this sparked his retirement rumors, a Facebook post claimed that The Viper had called time on his in-ring career.
Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful debunked the online chatter, stating that Orton has years left on his deal.
You can check out the screenshot below:
Randy Orton has subtly confirmed his WWE return date
During the inauguration of Mr. Beast Land in Riyadh, Randy Orton announced that he would be present in Saudi Arabia next year for SmackDown and the 2026 Royal Rumble premium live event.
"This is Randy Orton with the WWE. I am at The Grove, and I just want to remind everybody the tickets are still on sale for the Royal Rumble coming here to Riyadh at the end of January. The tickets are still on sale for SmackDown too. So make sure you get your tickets, and I will see you at the Royal Rumble, where I will see you with SmackDown, and I will 100 percent see you here at the one and only Grove."Randy Orton has teased going after Cody Rhodes and his Undisputed WWE Championship
Should The Viper win the 30-Man Royal Rumble Match, fans could see the two men run it back at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
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Edited by Sidharth Sachdeva
English (US)