Why Randy Orton Isn't Working Weekends For WWE

'The Viper' has kept an irregular house show schedule lately.

by Andy H Murray
Randy Orton Royal Rumble 2017
WWE

Former WWE Champion Randy Orton might be one of SmackDown's biggest stars, but he has kept a relatively lean schedule recently. 'The Viper' wasn't present for his rival Jinder Mahal's Punjabi Celebration last week, and, as originally reported by PWInsider, he didn't work any live events last weekend, and isn't advertised for any shows this coming Saturday/Sunday either.

According to F4WOnline, this is all down to a stipulation in Orton's WWE contract. Randy's agreement with the company reportedly gives him certain weekends off, and he has a further absence scheduled in early July. He will be present for tonight's SmackDown tapings in Atlanta, Georgia, however.

Nothing has changed with regards to Orton's status with the company, and there have been no reports of any new or reoccurring injuries, or anything else that may have enforced his time off.

Advertisement

Orton will face Mahal in a WWE Championship rematch at Money In The Bank (June 18th), which takes place in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. 'The Viper' didn't make a single televised defence during his most recent title run, which ended after just 49 days when Jinder pinned him at Backlash.

In this post: 
Randy Orton
 
Posted On: 
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.