Randy Orton's WWE Career Almost Ended Last Year

How Randy Orton's 22-year WWE run almost came crashing down in 2022.

by Andy H Murray
Randy Orton
WWE

Serious injury means Randy Orton's WWE career currently hangs in the balance, though the 22-year veteran's run almost came to a complete end in 2022.

Dave Meltzer has reported as much on Wrestling Observer Radio, stating that WWE seemingly changed its mind about unifying its Tag Team Championships prior to Orton's career "almost ending." Prior to this, the belts weren't going to be put together, though WWE ended up doing this when SmackDown title-holders The Usos added Matt Riddle and Orton's Raw Tag Team Championships to their collection on 20 May 2022.

This was the last time Orton stepped between the ropes. Sidelined with severe back issues, the 42-year-old's career screeched to an abrupt halt, seemingly ending the carefully-built, long-term storyline between him and Riddle - though this could conceivably be revived should Randy return.

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But an Orton comeback is far from a given at this stage. That Meltzer states his career "almost ended" last May is troubling. So too was an October report stating that WWE is "worried" about Randy and his injuries, which are seemingly the product of years of wear and tear.

All the best to Randy as he recovers.

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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.