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Randy Orton Reveals Truth About Injury Rumors Amid WWE Absence

By Gaurav Singh • Published May 18, 2026 04:55 EDT
Randy Orton WWE
Randy Orton on WWE absence (Image source-WWE.com)

Randy Orton finally opened up on his absence from WWE TV since WrestleMania 42 amid the rumors of injury.

Randy Orton has been with the WWE since 2002 and is considered one of the greatest in history. The Apex Predator has won the World Championships 14 times during his tenure as well. At WrestleMania 42 last month, Randy challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE title in hopes of winning his 15th world title. After a match filled with a lot of shenanigans, Orotn failed to capture the title from Cody.

Following his setback, Randy Orton punt kicked Cody Rhodes in the face. However, The Viper has not been seen on TV since losing to Cody at WrestleMania 42. Many fans were hoping to see his Mania rematch with Rhodes. While there are a lot of speculations regarding his WWE future amid his absence, Orton recently disclosed that he still has four years left on his current contract:

I do have four years left on my contract and maybe when that’s over, I’ll get The Undertaker schedule and pop around for WrestleMania every year and then ride until the wheels fall off, literally.”

Randy Orton finally explained his WWE absence since WrestleMania 42

While fans were concerned about Randy Orton during his absence from TV, Dave Meltzer recently reported on the Wrestling Observer Radio that Randy has been out due to a back injury, which he has had for years, and is still there:

Back injury. That’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania and it’s probably why he didn’t win the title. He’s got a back injury and it’s significant. He’s had it for years. It almost ended his career, came back, still there and that’s why he’s been out.”

Meanwhile, Randy apparently debunked the above report by Dave Metlzer by finally breaking the silence on his absence. Reacting to the report on X social media platform, Orton urged everyone to leave him alone as he is enjoying his summer. The Viper also teased winning his 15th WWE world title when he comes back:

Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I’m trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15″

While Randy Orton stays out of action, Cody Rhodes is set to defend his WWE Championship against Gunther at the Clash in Italy PLE later this month. It remains to be seen when Randy will be back on TV.

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