Randy Orton probably isn't headed back any time soon.
Randy Orton has been out of action since late May when he and RKBro teammate Matt Riddle dropped the Raw Tag Team Championships to the Usos. Shortly after, Fightful Select reported that Orton had a "significant" injury and that he was expected out through the end of the year. We've learned even more on that.
Fightful has learned that Randy Orton required a fusion in his lower back that would keep him out of action for an extended period of time. The surgery has already happened, though we don't know when. His wife had posted a picture of him around the operation, however. There were some in WWE that told us they'd be fortunate to have him back after such a long career and the significance of the injury. We've also heart from some in the company that says that when he was initially injured, Orton insisted he would eventually return. However, there are no creative plans in order for Randy Orton and no timetable for his return.
As of now, Randy Orton is contracted through 2024, though we don't know if contract time could be added or frozen due to injury. The few we've heard from that have been in contact say that he's in high spirits.
This article first appeared on our premium service, Fightful Select and was republished here on Fightful. If you complain about it being "old news," you have to let Sean Ross Sapp smack you in the face with a frozen bottle of water. Subscribe to get exclusive news every day, and a half-dozen weekly podcasts.
To directly support us and our continuing breaking news, interviews, and the like, subscribe to FightfulSelect.com. You'll get exclusive news sent to you directly before anyone else, and dozens of podcasts monthly including Alex Pawlowski's Sour Graps, Sean Ross Sapp's Q&A, Retro Reviews and more
