Randy Orton has been **missing from WWE television for three months**, leaving fans **frustrated and confused**. While reports suggest that a **piledriver** delivered by an opponent was the catalyst for his absence, many in the WWE Universe **refuse to believe that’s the full story**.
As speculation runs wild, questions remain: **What’s really keeping The Viper away from WWE? Is there more to the story than just an injury?**
## **The Incident: Did a Piledriver Really Take Out Randy Orton?**
Orton’s last major WWE appearance saw him take a **dangerous piledriver**—a move known for its severe impact on the neck and spine. Given his **history of back issues**, WWE sources claimed that this was the reason behind his extended time off.
However, longtime fans are **skeptical** for several reasons:
1️⃣ **Orton Has Taken Worse Punishment Before** – Throughout his 20+ year career, The Viper has endured brutal beatdowns, Hell in a Cell matches, and even a **con-chair-to attack by Edge** in 2020, yet returned relatively quickly.
2️⃣ **WWE’s History of Kayfabe Injuries** – WWE has often exaggerated or fabricated injuries to build **storylines**. Some believe Orton’s “injury” is actually part of **a larger creative plan**.
3️⃣ **The Timing Feels Suspicious** – With WrestleMania season in full swing, could WWE be saving **Randy Orton for a shocking return at the Grandest Stage of Them All?**
## **Theories Behind Randy Orton’s WWE Absence**
### **1️⃣ A Bigger Injury Than WWE Admits?**
Although WWE is claiming the piledriver was the reason for his absence, some reports suggest **Orton’s old back issues have resurfaced**. Given that he previously spent over a year recovering from spinal fusion surgery, another injury setback could be serious.
Could WWE be **downplaying the severity of Orton’s condition** to avoid disappointing fans?
### **2️⃣ A Surprise WrestleMania Comeback?**
A growing number of fans believe that **Orton’s absence is a setup for a shocking WrestleMania return**. With major matches set for WrestleMania 40, Orton could:
– **Target Cody Rhodes** – Reviving their old Legacy faction history.
– **Go after Roman Reigns** – Adding a new challenger to the Undisputed WWE Universal Title picture.
– **Join or feud with The Bloodline** – A wild card in the ongoing Bloodline saga.
### **3️⃣ Creative Issues or Contract Negotiations?**
Some rumors speculate that Orton’s absence **isn’t health-related** at all. Could there be behind-the-scenes discussions about his contract, creative direction, or even a **lighter schedule**?
With WWE’s recent business changes under **TKO Group Holdings**, it wouldn’t be surprising if Orton is negotiating **a new, more limited deal** before making his return.
## **Fans Demand Answers: WWE Universe Reacts**
WWE fans have taken to social media to express **frustration and confusion** over Orton’s prolonged absence:
🔴 _“No way a simple piledriver kept Randy out for 3 months. We need answers”_
🔵 _“If Orton doesn’t show up at WrestleMania, we riot.”_
⚫ _“He’s coming back for Cody. Calling it now.”_
The speculation only grows stronger as WrestleMania nears, with many convinced that **The Viper is lurking in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike**.
## **Will Randy Orton Return Before WrestleMania?**
As Orton’s **three-month absence** stretches on, one question remains: **When will The Apex Predator return?**
If WWE is indeed keeping his comeback **a closely guarded secret**, the biggest stage of them all—**WrestleMania 40**—could be the perfect moment.
Until then, the WWE Universe refuses to believe that a **single piledriver** is enough to keep **one of the most resilient superstars of all time** out of action for this long.