Randy Orton may not be as close to returning as previously believed.
"The Viper" has been sidelined with a shoulder injury and had the ailment surgically repaired back in October. Orton has been part of an injury barrage the WWE has dealt with over the last few months, which includes the likes of fellow former WWE World Heavyweight Champions John Cena (shoulder) and Seth Rollins (knee).
The "Cenation" leader announced he'll return on the Memorial Day edition of "Monday Night RAW," while it's still unknown when "The Architect" will make a comeback. As for Orton, the news may remain grim.
It was believed Orton would be back possibly by the end of this month, but Dave Meltzer of The Wrestling Observer has reported he could be sidelined for up to 2-3 more months, according to Cageside Seats.
While it could be just a rumor, Orton has spent a lot of time on the mend. In the absence of some key veterans, the WWE has had several new editions to the roster and put the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on Roman Reigns.
The company was boosted by Cesaro's recent return, while the likes of Sami Zayn, AJ Styles, Enzo Amore and Big Cass and The Vaudevillians have come to the main roster.
There are plenty of Superstars who Orton can battle when he returns and many possible fresh faces to feud with once he finally makes it back to active competition, whenever that is.
When making a Middle East Film and Comic Con appearance along with his wife and kids in Dubai earlier this month, Orton participated in a Q&A and said he'd love to face Zayn and Finn Balor down the line.
Zayn is now an active part of the main roster, while there is a lot of speculation Balor could be on his way up soon. Balor shockingly lost the NXT Championship to Samoa Joe at a Massachusetts house show over the weekend.
Orton could very well mix it up with these two when he eventually, finally returns.
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