A significant update has emerged regarding Randy Orton’s return timeline ahead of WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto. Speculation about Orton’s status has been circulating since before WWE Royal Rumble 2025.
The Viper had been feuding with former Universal Champion Kevin Owens. While attempting to de-escalate tensions between Owens and Cody Rhodes, Orton became the target of Owens’ fury instead.
On the November 8 episode of WWE SmackDown, Owens delivered a piledriver to Orton, forcing him to step away from in-ring action. Many expected The Viper to return during the Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens ladder match at Royal Rumble 2025, but that never materialized.
With WWE Elimination Chamber: Toronto happening this weekend, fans are eagerly speculating about Randy Orton’s return. Reports now confirm that WWE plans for Orton to return before the upcoming European tour, fueling excitement among eager fans.
Randy Orton is expected to be back ahead of WWE’s European tour
PWInsider reports that WWE expects Randy Orton to return by March. Current plans have Orton making his comeback before WWE’s European tour, leading into WrestleMania 41. The tour begins with SmackDown on Friday, March 14, and wraps up over two weeks later with RAW on Monday, March 31.
With Orton expected to return next month, he might make his comeback this weekend, March 1, in Toronto. Kevin Owens, who took out Orton with a devastating piledriver, will face Sami Zayn in an Unsanctioned Match at the event.
Orton could interfere in the match, costing Owens the victory and setting up a showdown between the two at WrestleMania 41. This could escalate their rivalry further. Reports from a few weeks ago suggested that WWE is planning an Owens vs. Orton match at The Grandest Stage of Them All in Las Vegas this year, making their clash even more likely.
