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WWE Legend Randy Orton Suddenly Pulled From Upcoming Event

By John Canton • Published Jun 27, 2026 08:30 EDT
Randy Orton WWE
Randy Orton WWE RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA during SmackDown at Lenovo Center on March 20, 2026 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by WWE/WWE)

Randy Orton will no longer be making a public appearance outside of WWE, as his absence continues.

The last time Randy Orton appeared on WWE television was in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Saturday when he challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship.

It was a controversial match between Orton and Rhodes because Pat McAfee became a heel ally of Orton, which many WWE fans didn’t like. Many people feel like it ruined the build to what was a highly anticipated Rhodes-Orton showdown on the biggest stage of them all.

McAfee’s involvement upset Orton during the match, leading to Orton hitting him with an RKO after a nearfall. That allowed Cody to hit Cross Rhodes on Orton for the pinfall win.

After the match, Cody Rhodes celebrated with the WWE Title above his head. Orton grabbed the title and hit Cody in the head with it. Cody was on his knees, so Orton backed into the corner, and Orton hit the running Punt to Cody’s head. Cody’s blonde hair was full of blood while Orton stood over Cody with the WWE Title in his hands, and the fans were booing. Rhodes had a huge black eye after the ordeal.

Considering Orton’s post-match actions, many people thought that his rivalry with Rhodes would continue post-WrestleMania. However, three months have passed, and Orton has yet to return to WWE television.

If you watch WWE programming regularly, then you know they promote Fanatics Fest heavily during the weekend of July 16-19 in New York City. There’s a Saturday Night’s Main Event show at Madison Square Garden on July 18th as well.

Randy Orton was scheduled to appear, but PWInsider and other outlets have reported that Orton is among the list of names “no longer able to appear.” Orton’s signing was sold out. Fanatics Fest is offering refunds or exchanges to fans.

Bianca Belair and Drew McIntyre are also among the celebrities who will no longer be appearing at Fanatics Fest. Belair is likely to have her baby very soon, while McIntyre has movie commitments.

Randy Orton May Be Dealing With A Back Injury

The 14-time WWE World Champion Randy Orton is one of the longest-tenured WWE superstars in history. He was signed in 2000 at 20 years old, debuted on the main roster in 2002, and has been there ever since.

While Orton has had his share of injuries along the way, the back surgery he had in 2022 sidelined him from WWE competition for 18 months before he returned at Survivor Series 2023, which was also the night CM Punk returned to WWE after nearly a decade away.

Regarding Orton’s absence, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reported that the 46-year-old WWE legend was dealing with back issues.

“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.”

In a post on X on May 17th, Randy Orton seemingly laughed off the back injury report while saying he was trying to enjoy his summer before he comes back.

Of course, just because Orton tweeted that doesn’t mean he is injury-free. It could be a precautionary thing by WWE to give him a break before he makes his return.

Also Read: Randy Orton Pushed For WWE Return Of Controversial 4-Time Champion

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