Randy Orton Set to Return at SummerSlam, WWE Confirms

**Randy Orton is poised to make his first televised WWE appearance since his WrestleMania 42 loss to Cody Rhodes on April 7, 2026, with a leaked internal memo suggesting a SummerSlam return on Aug. 1‑2, 2026.**

A report from Fightful Select, citing a confidential WWE document, indicates that both Orton and fellow former champion Drew McIntyre are listed in the promotion’s SummerSlam plans. The memo surfaced after the two stars failed to show up on the May 29 SmackDown taping in Barcelona, despite being advertised. No further details were provided, but the timing aligns with WWE’s buildup toward its biggest summer pay‑per‑view.

Orton’s last match at WrestleMania 42 ended in a defeat by Cody Rhodes, while McIntyre fell to Jacob Fatu on the same night. Both have been off‑screen while WWE focuses on the Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia on June 27, 2026. The rumored SummerSlam return could serve as a surprise counter‑attack to the new talent emerging from that Saudi show, giving longtime fans a nostalgic boost.

CM Punk, another absent veteran, is reportedly being prepped for a July 6 Raw appearance in his hometown of Chicago. If the SummerSlam plan holds, WWE could stack the card with multiple returning legends, creating a multi‑generation showdown that fans have been demanding since the post‑WrestleMania shake‑up.

A confirmed Orton return would likely reshape the SmackDown hierarchy ahead of the August event. It could also force a fresh rivalry with Cody Rhodes, who handed Orton his recent loss. Additionally, the presence of both Orton and McIntyre may signal WWE’s intent to blend legacy talent with rising stars, a strategy that could affect booking decisions through the fall season.

WWE has not issued a statement, and the document remains unverified. However, the promotion’s pattern of teasing returns weeks before a major PPV suggests an announcement could drop within the next two weeks, possibly during a live broadcast of Raw or SmackDown.

If Orton steps back into the ring on Aug. 1‑2, 2026, expect a high‑stakes match that references his WrestleMania loss. Look for a potential showdown with Cody Rhodes or a surprise tag‑team alignment with Drew McIntyre. The match will likely be positioned as a marquee bout, reinforcing Orton’s status as a "Viper" still capable of delivering headline moments.