WWE advertises The Viper for Barcelona before Clash in Italy
Summary
– Randy Orton is being advertised for the May 29 episode of WWE SmackDown in Barcelona
– The appearance would mark his first WWE TV return since WrestleMania 42
– Orton’s return timing could point toward renewed issues with Cody Rhodes before Clash in Italy
Randy Orton may be close to returning to WWE television.
WWE is advertising Orton for the May 29 episode of SmackDown at Olympic Arena in Barcelona, Spain. The show is the final SmackDown before Clash in Italy, which makes the timing especially notable.
Orton has been away from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42. He lost to Cody Rhodes in the main event for the Undisputed WWE Championship, then attacked Rhodes after the match.
The post-match attack included Orton using the championship against Rhodes and ending the night with a punt kick. That finish left the feud open for another chapter, even though Orton disappeared from television afterward.
Reports after WrestleMania stated that WWE had a serious internal discussion about Orton winning his 15th world championship. WWE ultimately stayed with Rhodes as champion, keeping the door open for the rivalry to continue beyond WrestleMania.
Orton’s name appearing on the Barcelona SmackDown listing is now the strongest sign that his absence may be ending soon. WWE has not confirmed whether he will wrestle, appear in a segment, or restart his issue with Rhodes on that show.
With Clash in Italy coming immediately after the May 29 SmackDown, Orton’s return could give WWE a major angle heading into the premium live event. The Viper may have been gone for weeks, but his next strike could be close.
