4 ways Randy Orton could return to WWE ahead of Royal Rumble 2025

Randy Orton has been absent from WWE television for over a month. Kevin Owens brutally attacked the veteran on the November 8 edition of SmackDown and hit him with a Piledriver. The Legend Killer was taken out of the arena in an ambulance and has not been seen since.

Orton could be returning to television soon and will likely have revenge on his mind. Kevin Owens also hit Cody Rhodes with a Package Piledriver after failing to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship from The American Nightmare at Saturday Night's Main Event.

Listed below are four ways Randy Orton can return to the company ahead of Royal Rumble 2025:

#4. Randy Orton could return to WWE SmackDown to get revenge for Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes had developed a bond on SmackDown in recent months before Kevin Owen's heinous attack on The Viper. The American Nightmare went after The Prizefighter for his attack on Orton and defeated him at Saturday Night's Main Event to retain the title.

However, Rhodes may be out of action for the next several weeks after being ambushed by Owens last night. Orton could return to SmackDown this month and make it his mission to avenge the attack on Rhodes and put a stop to KO's antics once and for all.

#3. Randy Orton could use the Transfer Window to move to RAW

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis will likely have to discipline Kevin Owens for his actions at Saturday Night's Main Event. Aldis could suspend Owens to prevent an altercation with Randy Orton when he returns, and may also suggest sending the legend to WWE RAW.

The company recently introduced the Transfer Window, allowing stars to change brands ahead of the WWE Draft 2025. Aldis may think that sending Orton to RAW is the best option to protect him from being attacked by Owens once again.

#2. Triple H could have a meeting with Orton when he returns

Kevin Owens and Randy Orton were supposed to have a singles match at WWE Crown Jewel earlier this year in Saudi Arabia, but the bout was called off before the bell rang due to both men being unable to control themselves. Before that Orton had to convince Triple H to allow the contest, as The Game was trying to protect the 44-year-old ahead of the premium live event.

Triple H confronted Kevin Owens following his attack on Cody Rhodes at Saturday Night's Main Event and got into a shoving contest with the former Universal Champion. The Game could request a meeting with Orton upon his return, and reveal that he would be willing to book him in a match against Owens again.

The Chief Content Officer could also request that The Apex Predator do whatever it takes to get revenge on Owens.

#1. Randy Orton could return for a rivalry with Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline defeated Solo Sikoa's version of the faction in the Men's WarGames Match at WWE Survivor Series last month. The Head of the Table is scheduled to square off against Sikoa in a Tribal Combat Match on the debut episode of RAW on Netflix on January 6, 2025.

Randy Orton has had his issues with The Bloodline in the past and may decide to return on RAW's debut on Netflix to attack the OTC following his match against Sikoa. Orton and Reigns could then enter a rivalry, culminating in a singles bout at WWE Royal Rumble on February 1, 2025.