WWE kicked things off in a big way in 2026 with the return of The Viper, Randy Orton, tonight on SmackDown.
Tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown kicked off with The Miz airing his frustrations and grievances with the WWE Universe. Little did Miz know, he was about to get paid a visit from The Legend Killer.
Before The Miz could get everything off his chest, Randy Orton made his surprise return to the company. When getting in the ring, Orton teased hitting Miz with an RKO but held off to take in the adulation of the WWE Universe instead.
After that, The Miz decided to pitch the two of them forming MizKO, which didn’t sit well with Orton and gave him an RKO for his troubles. The crowd asked to get another one, and Orton obliged, picking Miz up and dropping him with a second RKO.
Orton hasn’t been seen since the October 3 episode of SmackDown, where he and Cody Rhodes lost a tag match to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
After the commercial break, Orton ran into Cody Rhodes backstage and made it clear to him that after he gets past Drew McIntyre next week, he’s coming for the WWE Championship. It’s a foregone conclusion that Orton has seemingly declared for the Royal Rumble match.
Stay tuned to WrestleZone for more information as it becomes available.
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What did you think of Randy Orton’s return tonight on WWE SmackDown? What would you like to see him do next on the road to the Royal Rumble? Let us know your overall thoughts by sounding off in the comments section below.
