It’s been months since fans have seen Randy Orton on WWE programming as The Viper was written off TV back in October of last year. Fans have been waiting patiently for Orton to return and he finally made his presence felt during this week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown.
The Miz kicked off the show with a heated promo as he ran down his grievances with the fans, John Cena’s retirement tour, and Joe Hendry. Miz declared that he’s the face of the company. He then said he’s the most decorated wrestler in the locker room and Randy Orton’s music hit to a big reaction from the crowd.
The Viper looked happy to be back as he posed in the ring and soaked up the reaction from the fans while The Miz looked on. Orton grabbed a mic and The Miz said that it’s good to have him back on SmackDown.
Miz suggested that they join forces and become a tag team known as Miz-KO. Orton responded by hitting The Miz with the RKO and the fans chanted “one more time.” The Viper delivered as he picked Miz up, looking him in the eye, said “happy new year Miz” then hit him with a second RKO.
Orton then celebrated in the ring as the fans cheered. After the commercial break Randy Orton confronted Cody backstage and told him that out of respect he wants Cody to know he’s coming for the title after Cody wraps up his feud with Drew McIntyre.
RANDY ORTON IS BACK!!! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rgIh0ESrMX
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026
Randy Orton 🤝 Cody Rhodes pic.twitter.com/tch7zydnyu
— WWE (@WWE) January 3, 2026