Randy Orton’s First Remarks After Surprise Return on 6/14 WWE SmackDown

Randy Orton faced Gunther in the King of the Ring finals last month but suffered a defeat that left him with significant injuries, necessitating time away from the ring. His return on the June 14th edition of SmackDown was met with an electrifying reception.

Following his match with Gunther, Orton required a knee assessment, prompting his absence from action. Meanwhile, Kevin Owens teamed up with The Street Profits to challenge The Bloodline in subsequent events.

During the main event of the June 14th Friday Night SmackDown, Owens faced Solo Sikoa in a singles match and was defeated due to a distraction from Paul Heyman. This led to an attack on Owens by Tama Tonga and Tonga Loa. In a surprising turn, Randy Orton made his triumphant comeback after three weeks away, aiding Kevin Owens in fending off The Bloodline’s assault.

In a SmackDown Exclusive, Kevin Owens and Randy Orton discussed Orton’s return to the ring. Kevin Owens began by describing the event as a moral victory and asked Randy Orton if they could be considered friends. Orton responded that they were getting there, acknowledging that they still had some ways to go.

Orton explained that “out of nowhere” is his trademark move and expressed his love for Scotland and for Drew McIntyre, who hails from Scotland. Orton mentioned that he traveled all the way to Scotland to help Owens, referring to him as a friend, acquaintance, or buddy.

Kevin Owens: ”It was a moral victory. Are we friends? Would you say that’s an accurate statement?”

Randy Orton: ”I think we’re getting there. We got a little ways to go. Listen, out of nowhere is kind of my thing, so I figured tonight, we’re in Scotland, I love Scotland. Hell, Drew’s from Scotland, I love Drew, what can I say? I just figured I’d come all the way over here and I would help my friend, acquaintance, buddy, whatever you want to call it.”

After some light-hearted banter about Orton flying to Scotland, he admitted that Owens was indeed his friend, despite initially trying to play it cool. Owens then criticized the Bootleg Bloodline, calling them terrible, and both men agreed on their desire for payback.

Orton corrected his earlier statement, affirming that they were friends and admitting he was trying to maintain a cool demeanor. Owens reiterated their shared disdain for the Bootleg Bloodline. They then discussed a recent match, with Orton noting that Owens had it won until Paul Heyman interfered by lifting Solo’s foot onto the rope. Owens expressed disbelief at Heyman’s physical strength, and Orton agreed, despite initially doubting it was possible.

Randy Orton: ”I want to correct my earlier statement. We are friends. I’m trying to play it cool. What can I say? But yeah, we’re friends. I haven’t had many friends around here.”

Kevin Owens: ”You know what? Bootleg Bloodline is terrible. We agree on that, too.”

Randy Orton: ”You had that match won, man. Paul Heyman put Solo’s foot…”

Kevin Owens: ”I can’t believe Paul Heyman had the physical strength to lift a man’s leg high enough to put it on the rope.”

Randy Orton: ”I didn’t think it was feasible, but it happened.”

The conversation concluded with Owens and Orton agreeing on the need for payback. We will have to wait and see how WWE continues to book the feud between The Bloodline and the duo of Randy Orton and Kevin Owens in the coming weeks, now that Orton has made his return.

Are you happy to see Randy Orton back on WWE television after three weeks? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!