Randy Orton Returns On WWE SmackDown, Warns Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton is back on WWE programming.

The Viper had been missing in action since October 2025.

On the first SmackDown of 2026, The Miz kicked off the show to air out his grievances. In his promo, Miz talked about how he was the locker room leader, an adult surrounded by spoiled little brats.

RKO OUTTA NOWHERE!!!! 🙌@RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/sUgi2pyuDE

— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026

He was then interrupted by Randy Orton. The Miz proposed the idea of MizKO to him, but he was RKO’d by Orton instead. Orton pulled Miz back to his feet and wished him a Happy New Year with another RKO to close out the segment. 

Later on the show, Orton was seen interacting with Cody Rhodes, where he warned him that he was coming for his title once he successfully defends it against Drew McIntyre.

Fans can read Fightful’s live coverage of WWE SmackDown here, and watch the post-show highlights and review on YouTube here.