BUFFALO, New York (TECHY QUANTUM) — Randy Orton made a dramatic return to WWE SmackDown Friday night, delivering consecutive RKOs to The Miz and signaling his intention to challenge Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
The KeyBank Center hosted the three hour broadcast as WWE launched its first SmackDown of 2026 with heightened storylines and returning talent.
Key Points
- Randy Orton returned to WWE television after three months, immediately asserting dominance over The Miz with back to back RKOs.
- Orton confronted Cody Rhodes, indicating plans to pursue the Undisputed WWE Championship following Rhodes’ upcoming Three Stages of Hell match against Drew McIntyre in Berlin.
- SmackDown resumed its three hour format, allowing WWE to expand storylines and build momentum toward the Royal Rumble.
Orton’s reappearance on SmackDown represents a significant shift in WWE’s early year programming.
The veteran performer entered following a heated promo from The Miz, quickly reasserting his presence by incapacitating the A-lister with signature RKO maneuvers.
Later, Orton addressed Rhodes directly, establishing a high profile rivalry that could shape WWE’s championship picture heading into the Royal Rumble.
Randy Orton had been absent from television for approximately three months, with limited appearances in late 2025.
During that period, SmackDown experimented with two hour broadcasts before returning to a three hour format to accommodate expanded storytelling for the new year.
Orton has previously held multiple world titles but had not competed for the Undisputed WWE Championship in 2025. His return positions him in a high stakes narrative as WWE builds toward major events.
Industry analysts note that veteran performers like Orton are often reintroduced ahead of marquee events to increase viewer engagement and maintain storyline momentum.
“Orton’s return is strategically timed to reintroduce a proven star into top tier storylines,” said wrestling analyst Mark Middleton.
By immediately targeting both The Miz and Cody Rhodes, WWE positions Orton as a significant threat without a prolonged buildup, adding unpredictability to early year programming.
Commentators highlighted Orton’s impact, emphasizing that no SmackDown competitor is safe following his return.
“Randy Orton’s presence changes the dynamic immediately,” said one broadcast analyst.
WWE staff described the segment as a strong start to the new year’s programming, signaling increased engagement ahead of the Royal Rumble.
Orton’s challenge to Cody Rhodes sets up a high profile storyline for the coming weeks.
Rhodes is scheduled to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre in Berlin on January 9, 2026.
Orton’s involvement could influence both live event outcomes and ongoing television storylines, shaping WWE’s early 2026 championship trajectory.
Randy Orton’s surprise return to SmackDown reestablishes him as a major competitor and positions him as a contender in WWE’s championship landscape.
As WWE moves toward the Royal Rumble, Orton’s presence is expected to influence both narrative arcs and viewer engagement, providing momentum for top tier rivalries in 2026.
Author’s Perspective Adnan Rasheed
In my analysis, Randy Orton’s return immediately reshapes WWE’s top storylines, forcing Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre to rethink their championship strategies.
I believe his dual RKOs send a clear message that veteran stars remain key narrative drivers.
I predict that Orton’s momentum will spark a multi layered feud for the Undisputed WWE Championship, influencing storylines well beyond the Royal Rumble.
Watch Orton’s promos closely they often reveal which rivalries will dominate WWE’s next big events.
NOTE! This report was compiled from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage.
