WWE News: Former WWE Champion Randy Orton Asks For Time Off, When Will He Return?
Ratings were down for WWE Raw last night and in a big way. In a report uncovered by PWInsider, WWE’s flagship program averaged 3.6 million viewers last night. This was a show that had another encounter with Kevin Owens and John Cena. Three years ago to the month, WWE Raw was bringing in at least 4.2 million per week.
WWE officials brought out the big guns with Brock Lesnar appearing at the beginning and the end of the show. No matter what they did, WWE Raw lost last night. Their competition isn’t stiff either, as the NHL and NBA playoffs are done for their respective seasons. Was it the content, or did they lack the normal batch of WWE superstars?
A few wrestlers were absent last night in Indianapolis. Cesaro was one man that didn’t wrestle, nor did the Lucha Dragons. The Miz also didn’t appear, which is odd because he’s usually a weekly act. One man that appeared in the Money in the Bank ladder match was not on WWE Raw 24 hours ago. That man is Randy Orton.
It is confirmed that Randy Orton did not sustain an injury at Money in the Bank. Despite Randy Orton being a favorite to win the briefcase, Sheamus is in line for a WWE title shot down the road with his victory. Here lies the question: why did Randy Orton miss WWE Raw? According to All Wrestling News, it was a planned absence.
“Randy Orton was not on Monday’s RAW or this weekend WWE Live Events. Apparently the former WWE Champion asked for time off, as he went on vacation with his girlfriend. There is currently no indication if he will be appearing at tonight’s WWE tapings.”
Back in lateMay, Orton took some time off and Wrestle Zone updated the WWE fans on his television status. The former-WWE champion ended up returning within two week after the report was written. Now that he took another night off, where does Orton stand in the eyes of WWE Creative?
Orton’s at the point in his career where he doesn’t need a repeated title shots. The Viper can help enhance careers. For example, a good feud for Orton would be Neville.
That would mean that Orton would turn heel, but Neville needs that one feud to rise to that upper echelon of the WWE. Also, Orton could help a future WWE NXT star that comes up with a big program right off the start. Either way, Randy Orton wouldn’t negate the possibility.
[Image via wrestlingrumors.net]
