"They are playing with us" – Fans think WWE just teased a SummerSlam return after 15-month absence

WWE recently posted a video of the full match between Randy Orton and Sheamus from SummerSlam 2015. In the comments section, many fans seemed convinced that the timing of the upload was not coincidental.

Orton has not wrestled since he and Matt Riddle lost a Tag Team Championship unification match to The Usos on SmackDown on May 20, 2022. With SummerSlam 2023 set to take place on August 5, there has been speculation that The Viper could make his long-awaited return from a back injury.

The response to the Orton vs. Sheamus upload was widely positive. Some fans suggested that WWE might have shared the video because the 14-time world champion is set to return:

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Orton has been one of WWE's most featured superstars ever since he debuted on the main roster in 2002. The former Evolution member's absence has not gone unnoticed over the last 15 months, as proven by the comments below:

Randy Orton received a lot of well-wishes

Orton has mostly kept silent during his absence from the ring, meaning his injury status and possible return remain a mystery. One fan mentioned that the 43-year-old's health and recovery from back surgery is more important than anything:

Orton's last SummerSlam appearance came on August 21, 2021. On that occasion, he teamed up with Riddle to win the RAW Tag Team Championship from AJ Styles and Omos.

What happened between Randy Orton and Sheamus at WWE SummerSlam 2015?

The event emanated from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on August 23, 2015. Randy Orton was one of the company's top babyfaces at the time, while the villainous Sheamus held the Money in the Bank briefcase.

The rivalry revolved around Sheamus, causing a disqualification in Orton's match against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins on RAW. As a result, The Viper defeated Rollins but failed to capture the title.

At SummerSlam 2015, Sheamus defeated Orton in the first match of the night after hitting his opponent with two Brogue Kicks.

Do you think Randy Orton will return at SummerSlam 2023? Let us know in the comments section below.

About the author

Danny Hart is a journalist who has been reporting on pro wrestling (WWE) at Sportskeeda since 2017. He grew up as a massive fan of football/soccer and wrestling, leading him to pursue a career in sports journalism.

Before assuming his current role, Hart worked as a football writer at Goal.com between 2009 and 2016. He prides himself on writing original content that is fact-based and highly accurate. Hart thoroughly proofreads his work before submitting it and relies only on credible sources for information.

Hart’s favorite pro wrestler is The Undertaker. He admires the 2022 WWE Hall of Famer’s ability to reinvent his character and remain relevant across his decades-long career. If given the keys to WWE’s creative department, he would bring back The Phenom for a farewell bout against AJ Styles in a stadium full of fans. Not only that, but he would love to have the multi-time world champion’s greatest rivals seated at ringside for the spectacle.

When not watching and covering sports, Hart enjoys long-distance running, playing video games, and listening to audiobooks and podcasts.

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Edited by Danny Hart