WWE’s Apex Predator Randy Orton has been missing in action since May 2022 due to a grave back injury. Injuries in pro wrestling are a by-product of the sport. It is impossible for a wrestler to be perpetually active in the ring without injuries. With wrestling deeply ingrained in his DNA, Randy Orton has come a long way in his wrestling career. However, after his two-decade-long career, his time in the ring may have been curtailed due to his recent back surgery. According to reports, Orton’s back injury stems from his legendary finisher, RKO. 

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During his early years in WWE, Orton used The Overdrive as his finisher. MVP also later used the move, except his version was called The Playmaker. As Orton’s career progressed, he adopted The RKO as his finisher. RKO was made famous by wrestling legend DDP, who called it The Diamond Cutter.

However, Orton’s version was more enjoyable and impactful. Undoubtedly, The Legend Killer’s RKO is one of the most popular finishers in wrestling. However, at this juncture in his career, it appears that Orton may have executed the move on thin ice. 

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Randy Orton wishes he had chosen a different finisher

As impressive as the move looks, when executed, it does more damage to the executor than it does to the recipient. Years of severe landing has taken a toll on Randy Orton’s back. In an interview last year with Fox 2 Now, The Viper expressed that he should have picked another move as his finisher in hindsight.

Although Orton has built his entire career around dishing out RKOs “outta nowhere” to superstars and legends, he stated that he was beginning to feel the negative effects of the move. 

“I kind of wish I could go back in time and create a finishing move that didn’t entail me jumping up as high as I can and landing on my back,” Orton said. “After doing that a couple of thousand times over the last few decades, I’m starting to feel it.”

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Will Randy Orton return at the Royal Rumble 2023?

Randy Orton has been on the shelf for around eight months now. Before his absence, Orton was on a roll with his tag team partner Matt Riddle. According to WrestleVotes, WWE had planned for Orton to turn heel and betray his partner Riddle when he first left.

However, his absence was extended after he underwent fusion surgery on his lower back in November.  With the Royal Rumble just weeks away, fans have been spit balling about Randy Orton’s potential return.

However, Fightful reported that his return at the Rumble is highly unlikely to take place. As of this writing, there is no definitive timeline for Orton’s comeback. The recovery period after his surgery is expected to be between six and twelve months. The 14-time WWE Champions is already a two-time Royal Rumble winner. Another win for Orton would have been a real treat for the fans. 

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