Randy Orton was last seen on WWE TV back in May 2022 when he and Matt Riddle lost the Raw Tag Team Championships to The Usos.
A few days later, it was announced that The Viper would be taking time off to deal with a long-standing back injury. While details of the injury were unknown at the time, it emerged in November that Orton had undergone surgery. Rumours soon followed that he was in rough shape and might even be forced to hang up his boots for good.
However, things have been looking up for the multi-time World Champion in recent months, as in February he was pictured visiting Boone Centre Inc. (BCI) in St Peters, Missouri, and looking to be in incredible shape.
Added to this, it was recently revealed that he will be present for WrestleMania 39. This was soon followed by a report that Orton wants to make his return to WWE on The Grandest Stage Of Them All.
Unfortunately, though, it looks unlikely that any return will involve Orton getting physical.
Randy Orton still recovering from back issues
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, Orton is still “a ways away” from actually being able to compete.
“Just an update on Randy Orton. Don’t expect him doing matches any time soon as he’s a ways away from recovering from his back issues.”
Just an update on Randy Orton. Don't expect him doing matches any time soon as he's a ways away from recovering from his back issues.
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) March 31, 2023
While Orton might not be able to return to the ring in the near future, he has seemingly been making preparations for the moment he can. Back in February, a bootmaker revealed he had been contacted by the star about making some footwear for the occasion.