Randy Orton is inside the ring and posing in front of a live crowd. (Photo : Getty Images/JP Yim)
Randy Orton has been out of action since October 2015 when he underwent surgery to repair an injured shoulder. According to the latest rumors, Orton's return has been delayed and he could be out until after SummerSlam.
The Viper was in the middle of a feud with The Wyatt Family when he suffered a legitimate shoulder injury that required surgery. The timetable for is return was six to nine months but it looks like his recovery is taking more time.
According to According to Wrestle Zone, Orton may not be returning to WWE television until late August and he could even miss SummerSlam. His first advertised live event date is August 28 at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.
It should be noted that SummerSlam will be on August 21 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Orton is one of the rumored potential opponents for Brock Lesnar at the event along with Kevin Owens, Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe.
The 36-year-old has a history of shoulder problems because of his medical condition called hypermobile shoulders. It is a condition wherein joints stretch further than normal which causes subluxations or dislocations. Since his WWE debut in 2002, he has suffered five shoulder injuries in his career.
According to Cageside Seats, Orton has not been medically cleared by doctors despite the reports saying that he is close to returning. The WWE has not officially announced his comeback while other injured stars such as John Cena and Bray Wyatt have made their TV return.
There were conflicting reports about his injury last year as some were saying that he needed neck fusion surgery. However, those rumors were never proven and his prolonged absence is not what the WWE needs right now.
The company will be re-introducing the brand extension again with the WWE Draft happening on July 19 when SmackDown goes live. The WWE has been looking for ways to increase ratings and Orton is a household name that will surely attract a crowd.
It is very interesting to see which brand Orton will be drafted to but expect him to feud with the "New Era" superstars. He has expressed in several interviews that he would love to wrestle A.J. Styles and Sami Zayn.
Check out the video below for a compilation of Orton hitting his finisher, RKO.
