When Randy Orton was curb-stomped out of the Authority a couple weeks ago, he was gaining steam with fans, showing an intensity that had been lacking during previous feuds and runs as both a heel and face. He seemed to be on his way back to popularity, rather than just being a top guy because thats what he always is. So when WWE made no secret that they were in St. Louis for Survivor Series, it seemed like they were laying the groundwork for Orton (who lives in Missouri) to return to cost the Authority their match. What better way to keep yourself hot and pay off the storyline of being drummed out of the group? Even fans caught on and chanted for Orton at a couple points during the main event. But Randy never showed. He never hit the ring to make an impact. Sure, someone else made an impact instead, but Ortons absence was notable. At least thats a good sign: In the past, Ortons presence has been met with a go away groan. Hopefully when he returns, Orton will still be fired up.
Scott is a former journalist and longtime wrestling fan who was smart enough to abandon WCW during the Monday Night Wars the same time as the Radicalz. He fondly remembers watching WrestleMania III, IV, V and VI and Saturday Night's Main Event, came back to wrestling during the Attitude Era, and has been a consumer of sports entertainment since then. He's written for WhatCulture for more than a decade, establishing the Ups and Downs articles for WWE Raw and WWE PPVs/PLEs and composing pieces on a variety of topics.
