Randy Orton Reportedly Sidelined With a Back Injury, Orton Downplays Rumors

Randy Orton has been off WWE television since WrestleMania 42, but he’s currently being advertised for the May 29 edition of WWE SmackDown. During today’s edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that Orton has been sidelined from WWE programming due to a long-term injury, something which Orton is downplaying on social media.

Meltzer said that Orton is currently dealing with a back injury, and it’s the same issue that nearly ended his career recently and kept him out of action for over a year. He explained, “Back injury, you know, that’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania, and it’s probably why he didn’t win the title. But yeah, he’s got a back injury, and it’s significant.” Meltzer continued, “He’s had it for years, you know. He’s had it for years. It almost ended his career, came back, still there, and that’s why he’s been out.”

However, Orton himself took to social media (see below), downplaying the severity of the issue, stating that he was “milking it” and trying to “enjoy” his summer season before he returns in pursuit of winning his fifteenth WWE World Title. Randy Orton wrote earlier today, “Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I’m trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15.”

Orton’s back issue was also referenced on commentary by Michael Cole during Orton’s title match against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42: Saturday. For now, Orton is slated to appear at the May 29 episode of SmackDown, which will be the go-home show before WWE Clash in Italy. The event is being held at the Olympic Arena in Barcelona, Spain.

Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I’m trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15 https://t.co/dG49ObenGJ

— Randy Orton (@RandyOrton) May 17, 2026

If using any of the above quotes, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio, with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.