Ex-WWE World Heavyweight Champion might miss SummerSlam for the third straight year, says analyst; after being taken out by The Bloodline
With SummerSlam right around the corner, WWE analyst Sam Roberts appears to be convinced that former World Heavyweight Champion Randy Orton will miss The Biggest Party of the Summer. The Viper has had deep-seated issues with The Bloodline that date back to 2022 when he and Matt Riddle dropped their RAW Tag Team Title to The Usos.
Following the title loss, Randy Orton spent the next 18 months on the sidelines due to a career-threatening back injury. In November 2023, The Apex Predator returned to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames and immediately renewed his rivalry with The Bloodline. His program with the heel faction seems far from over now under the new Tribal Chief, Solo Sikoa.
The Bloodline has decimated almost everyone in their path, including Randy Orton. The Legend Killer hasn't been seen on TV since being destroyed by Solo Sikoa and his men on the July 12 episode of SmackDown.
On the Notsam Wrestling podcast, Sam Roberts was asked about the possibility of Jacob Fatu facing either Randy Orton or Kevin Owens at SummerSlam. The WWE analyst ruled out the idea as he thought both the top babyfaces would miss the marquee show this year.
"I think Randy [Orton] and Kevin Owens might be off TV, even at SummerSlam," Roberts said. (1:43:36 - 1:43:41)
Check out the full episode below.
When will Randy Orton return to WWE?
As of this writing, there's no official word on how long Randy Orton will be on the shelf.
Sam Roberts thinks The Viper could turn up on the SmackDown after SummerSlam to ignite a highly anticipated program with The American Nightmare.
"Cody Rhodes comes back from SummerSlam, triumphant victor. And now, both Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are back. Did Cody Rhodes visit them in the hospital? Did Cody Rhodes make sure they were okay? They were there for Cody, was Cody there for them? And that is how we immediately get to Kevin Owens and Randy Orton taking out what happened to them on Cody. They don't have to turn at the same time. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens come back and Kevin Owens is the first one to turn, right? And then when Kevin Owens doesn't beat Cody Rhodes, then Randy Orton turns."
Cody Rhodes will put his Undisputed WWE Championship on the line when he faces Solo Sikoa in the main event of SummerSlam on August 3. Will Randy Orton make his presence felt? Only time will tell.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the Notsam Wrestling podcast, and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for transcription.