Randy Orton has returned. #SmackDown https://t.co/IuCyt0I5DW
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Wrestle Ops is a dedicated wrestling news account on X (formerly Twitter) that delivers real-time updates, match results, and insider scoops from WWE events. Their style is straightforward and hype-focused, prioritizing breaking announcements to engage fans quickly. They have strong credibility within the wrestling community for accurate, timely posts sourced from live events.
What's This About?
This post announces Randy Orton's surprise return to WWE SmackDown on January 2, 2026, after 91 days away, where he interrupted The Miz's opening rant and hit him with two signature RKOs to celebrate the New Year.[1][3] The segment highlighted Orton's 'Viper' persona shutting down Miz's complaints about missing John Cena's retirement moment and a recent loss to NXT's Joe Hendry.[1] It marked SmackDown's return to a three-hour format and kicked off WWE's blue brand post-holiday schedule with high fan excitement.[1][2]
🔥Why It's Trending
The post is trending due to Orton's massive crowd pop and viral moment of double RKOs on The Miz during the first SmackDown of 2026, perfectly timed for New Year's hype.[1][2] Fans are buzzing over his return after 91 days, fueling speculation on future feuds amid WWE's ongoing storylines.[3] The live reaction videos and official WWE clips have amplified shares on social media right after the January 2 episode.[2][4]
💡Fun Facts
- 1Randy Orton hit The Miz with two RKOs, saying 'Happy New Year' before the second one, sending the Buffalo crowd wild.[1]
- 2This was Orton's first SmackDown appearance in 91 days, making it his return to weekly WWE TV.[3]
- 3The Miz was ranting about missing a John Cena retirement spot and a loss to NXT's Joe Hendry when Orton struck.[1]
- 4SmackDown returned to its full three-hour runtime on this episode, the first post-holiday show.[1]
- 5Orton's entrance music caused the arena to 'come unglued,' with chants of 'One more time!' after the first RKO.[1]
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