Bubba Ray Dudley made his return to the WWE at the Royal Rumble while top Superstar Randy Orton wasn't utilized despite being at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
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Dudley came out a surprise entrant with the No. 3 draw and was eventually eliminated by Bray Wyatt after an entertaining segment with R-Truth and The Miz.
Dudley made his first appearance in the WWE since 2005 when he jumped ship to TNA and eventually became a big singles star under the name of Bully Ray.
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His entrance into the match was fitting since Philadelphia was the birthplace of ECW and Dudley is an ECW Original.
According to Wrestlingheadlines.com, Dudley's long-time partner D-Von wasn't backstage during the Royal Rumble and Dudley's appearance was a one-shot deal.
WWE's officials are open to working something out with Dudley, so his status could change. Dudley said on Royal Rumble Fallout that he was "home" in his return to the WWE.
As for Orton, he was in the Northeast this weekend, but did not make his return. Orton was said to be backstage and dressed to wrestle at the Royal Rumble, but his return was delayed despite him being advertised to appear.
"The Viper" has been sidelined since November when Triple H, Seth Rollins and Kane beat him down. Orton was written off because he needed to film a WWE Studios movie, which has since wrapped.
Orton's delayed return was a storyline decision on the WWE's side, so it's uncertain when exactly he will return to action.
As for Bo Dallas and Heath Slater, they were both backstage, but unused. They are expected to be back to action soon.
The 28th annual Royal Rumble was full of surprises and there seems to be a possibility that the WWE could work out a pact with Dudley long-term.
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