Randy Orton’s absence from WWE television since WrestleMania 42 is the result of a back injury, according to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.
“Back injury. That’s why he’s been gone since WrestleMania. That’s probably why he didn’t win the title.
“It’s significant. He’s had it for years, it almost ended his career. (He) came back, and it’s still there.”
This comes after it was decided that Cody Rhodes would retain the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. Orton was strongly considered to leaver WrestleMania with the title, with the booking change coming in the final weeks before the event. Rhodes retaining now appears to have been at least partly informed by Orton’s physical condition heading into the show.
Orton earned his WrestleMania title shot by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The build to the match was dominated by the Pat McAfee storyline, which replaced an earlier creative pitch that had centered on Aleister Black tormenting Orton.
Despite losing the match, Orton attacked Rhodes with the title and delivered a punt kick in a post-match angle designed to continue the rivalry.
Rhodes retained despite being split open during the match and having his left eye swell shut by the final bell. He was subsequently placed in concussion protocol.
Orton’s back issues have been well documented throughout his career, previously threatening to end it entirely before he returned. No timetable for his return to television has been announced.