The Viper suffered a legitimate shoulder injury in October 2015 and he has been out of action ever since. The recovery for his shoulder was set at six to nine months but the injury healed slower than expected. Nonetheless, Orton is now schedule to return at SummerSlam and face The Beast.
Lesnar recently won his MMA return fight at UFC 200 by dominating Mark Hunt in three rounds. He did not receive a lot of punishment from Hunt and he looks ready to go at SummerSlam. Orton has a slight chance of winning, but the WWE will not book him to lose less than a month after winning a legitimate fight.
According to Ring Talkk, Orton will probably retire or become a part-time WWE superstar after SummerSlam. It is noted that it does not make sense for someone like Orton to lose in his first match back if he is going to be wrestling a schedule again.
The report also pointed out the fact that the 36-year-old superstar will have a hard time to replicate his babyface run against Seth Rollins last year. He also has a lot of wear and tear in his body after wrestling for 16 years.
The Viper has suffered multiple shoulder injuries in his career due to having hypermobile shoulders, as well as a broken collarbone. On the other hand, he could be a special attraction like Lesnar, according to Still Real To Us.
Being a recognized name in the WWE, Orton can step into the part-timer's role once The Undertaker officially retires and Lesnar moves to mixed martial arts full-time. It will also extend his career much like Chris Jericho, who is having a great run despite his age.
Orton going part-time will also make his future feuds very special. However, the WWE is entering the "New Era" and they need Orton's presence more than ever. He is one of the greatest ever and it would be best for business if he can put over the younger talents to create new superstars.
Check out the video below for a compilation of Orton hitting the RKO.