Randy Orton Joins WWE SmackDown Roster on December 1 Episode
Randy Orton has made his decision regarding which brand he will stay with.
Randy Orton, previously unaligned as a free agent after not being selected in the 2023 WWE Draft, chose to join WWE SmackDown, as revealed on December 1 episode of the show.
WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and RAW General Manager Adam Pearce were both present in the ring to extend an invitation to Orton to join their brand. Pearce offered him a shot at World Heavyweight Championship while Aldis offered him to take on The Bloodline.
"You can call @WWERomanReigns and you can tell him DADDY'S BACK."#SmackDown @RandyOrton @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/JqusA8lE8C
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2023
Just before Orton could finalize his decision, Paul Heyman intervened, advising Orton to steer clear of SmackDown. Following Heyman’s interference, Solo Sikoa and Jey Uso were dispatched. Orton found support in LA Knight, who engaged in a brawl with Sikoa, leading them to fight backstage.
Orton executed an RKO on Jey, solidifying his stance, and subsequently inked his deal with SmackDown. He conveyed a stern message to Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns, stating, “Daddy’s back.”
Afterward, Orton stunned everyone by hitting WWE SmackDown’s General Manager Nick Aldis with an RKO out of nowhere. Orton’s most recent match was on November 27 episode of RAW where he defeated Dominik Mysterio.
By joining SmackDown, Randy Orton clarified that he is determined to seek revenge as the Bloodline was the reason behind his absence.
Lesson learned, @RealNickAldis… 🐍#SmackDown #OUTTANOWHERE @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/5TgF3UMYOO
— WWE (@WWE) December 2, 2023