WWE Battleground on Sunday night isn’t just about the Triple Threat match for the company’s World Heavyweight Title or the Six-Man tag match between The Club and John Cena with Enzo and Cass. Sunday night is also about the return of The Viper, Randy Orton. After a long hiatus due to a shoulder injury which required surgery and a neck issue that is still being watched closely, Orton will appear on the Highlight Reel, hosted by Chris Jericho.
Orton was drafted to Smackdown on Tuesday night, and the 12-time WWE champion makes his in-ring return at SummerSlam to face Brock Lesnar. Since Lesnar was drafted by Raw, this could the last time fans have a chance to see these superstars confront each other for some time.
Orton’s return is nothing new, as injuries have been a part of his career, especially a shoulder injury that seems to continue to dog him. It remains to be seen how he will handle the brutality of Lesnar, who is as aggressive a performer in the ring as there has ever been in this business.
This is the type of match both men need in making their return to the company. While Orton has been recuperating, Lesnar took one of his usual sabbaticals after WrestleMania 32, and has since been part of UFC 200.
February 23, 2015 – It was four months prior to his return to Raw that a curb stomp by Seth Rollins almost ended Orton’s career. Upon his return he confronted Stephanie McMahon and The Authority. Orton returned the night before at Fastlane to help Ryback, Erick Rowan and Dolph Ziggler.
July 7, 2012 - Randy Orton shocks everyone on Raw when Heath Slater issues a challenge to anyone in the back to come out and face him. Of course, Orton accepts the challenge to the delight of the fans. He took care of the One Man Band with ease. Slater had promoted himself as a legend killer, but Orton – who is the original Legend Killer proved he was superior.
January 27, 2012 - In his return, Orton sought revenge on Wade Barrett, who injured The Viper and forced him out of action. Barrett said Orton was “Spiritually, a broken man.” The rivalry continued once Orton hit the arena and capped a solid run for both performers.
June 23, 2008 – It was all part of the WWE Draft. Orton, still nursing an injury made it known he was coming back to face the winner of the Triple H and John Cena’s match at Night of Champions. “I do not care who is champion after this Sunday. You both better hope to hell I get drafted tonight.” Orton is one of the best at antagonizing his opponents.
Monday Night Raw 2006 – A much younger, chubbier Orton made his return to Raw in 2006 from a broken ankle. Orton was drafted to Raw, much to the delight of the fans. Due to the split of the roster and defections to ECW, Orton was a solid addition to the Raw roster. Orton faced Kane in his return.
One of Samoa Joe's colleagues had harsh words for him HERE
