WWE to swerve fans and add Randy Orton alongside 38-year-old superstar? Exploring potential storyline

As the WWE Survivor Series 2023 Premium Live Event comes closer, the rumor mill keeps churning out potential plot twists with Randy Orton at the forefront. Out with a career-threatening back injury, Orton is expected to return in time for WarGames.

After Drew McIntyre joined forces with The Judgment Day, the babyfaces are sort of an ally. Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Sami Zayn, and Seth "Freakin" Rollins are at a Five-on-Four disadvantage.

Fortunately, in keeping with the hints dropped by Rhodes, the 14-time World Champion could make a surprise comeback to even the odds for the babyfaces inside the Men's WarGames match.

While that would create a magical scene, Triple H has a ripe opportunity to pull off a major swerve, which would feature an unusual alliance between the returning Randy Orton and the villainous Drew McIntyre.

From a storyline perspective, it makes complete sense. Orton was written off TV with an on-screen assault by The Bloodline, which included Jey Uso. Although Uso has severed ties with his family, he wreaked quite a lot of havoc in the last several years.

McIntyre and Orton also suffered the wrath of The Bloodline. Not only did they put The Viper out of commission, but The Scottish Warrior would've been World Champion today if it weren't for Solo Sikoa's debut at Clash of Champions.

Furthermore, around the time Orton was written off with an injury, The Bloodline (Roman Reigns and The Usos) had recently defeated McIntyre and RK-Bro. Thus, there are unresolved tensions.

The Scottish Warrior has chosen his side, as he will fight alongside The Judgment Day. But, with so much prior conflict, it doesn't seem likely that Randy Orton would help Jey Uso for an extended period.

---

Randy Orton's return could be used to quell "CM Punk speculation"

WWE Survivor Series: WarGames takes place in Chicago, the hometown of CM Punk, one of the most charismatic and controversial stars of the century.

The Best in the World was fired from AEW earlier this year, fuelling speculation of a grand return to WWE. As most fans will recall, Punk and the Stamford-based promotion had a massive and ugly falling out in 2014 that shook the wrestling community to its core.

The rumor mill runs wild, fans fantasize about dream scenarios, and everyone keeps picking up subtle hints. However, a return seems very unlikely, and WWE may use Randy Orton to quell much of the energy around a potential Punk comeback.

The Apex Predator is a legend and future Hall of Famer with a huge fan following. Orton has been out for 18 months, and his return would generate immeasurable buzz.

This would mean that Orton's inclusion at the PLE would be announced beforehand, presumably on RAW next week.

Furthermore, it would move the needle heading into Survivor Series and take attention away from CM Punk.