WWE fans have been speculating about Randy Orton’s return ever since Kevin Owens laid him out with a banned piledriver on the November 8, 2024, edition of SmackDown. While Orton has been absent from the ring since that brutal attack, a new Netflix promotional video has reignited conversations about the Viper’s status.
The promo, released on Netflix’s social media platforms, hypes SmackDown’s streaming debut on January 10 and features some of WWE’s biggest stars. Cody Rhodes, Naomi, Jacob Fatu, Solo Sikoa, Tiffany Stratton, Bianca Belair, Kevin Owens, The Street Profits, Chelsea Green, Roman Reigns, and yes, Randy Orton all make appearances. The video teases the excitement of SmackDown content being available for live streaming—likely targeting overseas audiences.
Despite Orton’s inclusion in the promotional footage, Sportskeeda’s Chris Featherstone recently stated that the Viper isn’t scheduled for the January 6 debut of Raw on Netflix. “I’ve had a bunch of people inquire about the status of Randy Orton regarding January 6. I’ve been informed that he is currently not scheduled to be a part of the debut episode of Raw,” Featherstone shared.
WWE has yet to announce when Orton will make his on-screen return, and he’s noticeably absent from holiday weekend event advertisements. Whether his presence in the Netflix promo is a sign of things to come or simply a nod to his legendary status remains to be seen.
As fans eagerly await news of Orton’s return, the promo also shines a light on the star-studded roster heading into 2025. SmackDown’s Netflix debut on January 10 promises to bring global viewers closer to the action, and with names like Reigns, Rhodes, and Sikoa in the mix, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Are you excited to see Randy Orton back in action soon? Or do you think the Netflix promo is just a tease? Share your thoughts in the comments below!