Randy Orton Reportedly Seeking WWE Return At WrestleMania 39

Randy Orton’s WWE return could be right around the corner.

According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio (h/t WrestlingNews.co), the 14-time world champion is nearing a comeback even though his career was recently believed to be in jeopardy: “All the indications are that he’s on his way back, which is also good news because at the end of last year, there were definitely people worried about him.”

Orton has been out of action for nearly a year, disappearing in May 2022 and undergoing back fusion surgery that resulted in widespread concern that he could be done wrestling for good. But signs are emerging that Orton could lace up his boots again.

PWInsider (h/t Cageside Seats) reports that Orton is slated to be at WrestleMania 39, and though there is no confirmation that he’ll appear on the show, his planned presence at WWE’s most important pay-per-view isn’t the only indication that his return is drawing near.

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In fact, just last month it was reported that Orton was having new ring boots made in preparation for an in-ring return. Meanwhile, Fightful Select has reported that Orton was adamant that he’d wrestle again: “There were some in WWE that told us they’d be fortunate to have him back after such a long career and the significance of the injury. We’ve also heart from some in the company that says that when he was initially injured, Orton insisted he would eventually return.”

WrestleVotes (h/t Cageside Seats) says that “Orton wanted to make his return to WWE at WrestleMania 39, and it’s possible that could happen but not 100-percent confirmed.” In other words, Orton’s return is likely drawing near.

Orton has had a consistent role on WWE TV since his debut in 2002, and over the course of the past two decades, he has solidified himself as one of the greatest pro wrestlers to ever step into the squared circle. Numerous WWE legends, like Bully Ray and Ric Flair, have called Orton the greatest pro wrestler in the world, and though he’s often left out of the “GOAT” conversation, his value to WWE over the course of his legendary career shouldn’t be questioned.

Especially in recent years, Orton has proven to be more than capable of performing at an elite level in a wide variety of roles. Heel? Babyface? Tag team wrestler? Comedy performer? He’s made everything work, and he’s firmly entrenched himself as one of those well-respected legends who is adored by fans regardless of where he is on the card.

Prior to his hiatus beginning nearly a year ago, Orton was helping elevate controversial star Middle Riddle and the tag team division as a whole, and he continued to show that he has plenty of gas left in the tank. At this stage of his career, Orton winning a world title might be out of the question, but there are plenty of things he can still accomplish if his in-ring career continues.

Fightful Select adds that Orton’s WWE contract runs through the end of 2024 and may have injury time added to it for his nearly year-long absence, meaning Orton could potentially be in WWE for another three years—and that’s if he doesn’t sign a new contract.

Orton is still just 42 years old, which is like a spring chicken in pro wrestling these days. A plethora of high-profile stars—ranging from Bobby Lashley to Edge to Brock Lesnar—are still performing at an incredibly high level in their mid-to-late 40s, and there’s little to suggest that Orton won’t be able to do the same.

Should he come back at WrestleMania 39 or soon afterward, Orton figures to be a welcome presence in the upper midcard and borderline of the main event, and in a WWE that doesn’t have a ton of high-profile stars right now, he’ll be a big hit there just as he was when he left.