Randy Orton makes his decision.
Randy Orton, who was listed as a free agent since he wasn't drafted in the 2023 WWE Draft, made the decision to sign with WWE SmackDown on the December 1 episode of WWE SmackDown.
WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis invited Orton to SmackDown in order to sign him. WWE Raw GM Adam Pearce showed up, hoping to obtain Orton for the Raw roster.
Before Orton could make his decision, he was interrupted by Paul Heyman, who told Orton to stay away from SmackDown and the sent out Solo Sikoa and Jey Uso. Orton was saved by LA Knight, who brawled to the back with Sikoa.
Orton laid out Jey with an RKO and then signed with SmackDown. He issued a warning to Heyman and Roman Reigns saying, "Daddy's back."
He then gave Aldis an RKO.
"You can call @WWERomanReigns and you can tell him DADDY'S BACK."#SmackDown @RandyOrton @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/JqusA8lE8C
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2023
Lesson learned, @RealNickAldis... --#SmackDown #OUTTANOWHERE @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/5TgF3UMYOO
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2023
Orton returned to the ring at WWE Survivor Series for his first match since the May 20, 2022 episode of WWE SmackDown. He had been sidelined due to back surgery.
Fans can find Fightful's coverage of WWE SmackDown by clicking here. Check out the post-show podcast for a full review of the show by clicking here.
