BUFFALO, NY January 2, 2026 – The Viper is back in the WWE Universe, and he wasted no time reminding everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous superstars in the business. Randy Orton made a surprise return on the first episode of Friday Night SmackDown in 2026, interrupting The Miz and delivering not one, but two devastating RKOs to kick off the new year with a bang.
The episode, airing live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, marked SmackDown’s return to a three-hour format and opened with The Miz in the ring, venting his frustrations about being overlooked in the WWE landscape. Calling himself the “adult in the room” surrounded by “spoiled little brats,” The A-Lister’s promo was abruptly cut short by the familiar strains of Orton’s theme song, “Voices.”
The crowd erupted as Orton emerged through fiery graphics on the entrance ramp, sporting a blue Buffalo Sabres 50th Anniversary t-shirt in a nod to the local hockey team and the enthusiastic hometown audience.
Orton, absent from WWE programming since October 2025—a hiatus of nearly 91 days—stalked to the ring with his signature intensity. After a brief exchange where The Miz attempted to welcome him back, Orton struck without warning, planting the 21-time champion with an RKO out of nowhere. Not content with one, The Viper pulled Miz up and delivered a second RKO, wishing him a “Happy New Year” as the segment closed to thunderous cheers.
Orton’s return comes at a pivotal time for WWE, with the Road to WrestleMania heating up. Fans and analysts speculate this could lead to major storylines, including a possible Royal Rumble appearance or a high-stakes feud with Rhodes. The 43-year-old legend, known for his storied career including multiple WrestleMania main events and iconic rivalries, had been sidelined due to lingering back issues but appeared in peak form during his comeback.
WWE shared the moment on X (formerly Twitter), posting a clip of Orton’s entrance with the caption “RANDY ORTON IS BACK!!!,” which quickly garnered over 41,000 views and thousands of likes. Social media exploded with reactions, from memes celebrating the “first RKO of 2026” to calls for Orton to reclaim his spot at the top.
As SmackDown continues its three-hour era on USA Network, Orton’s presence promises to inject ruthless aggression into the blue brand. Whether targeting The Miz for payback or gunning for gold, one thing is clear: The Apex Predator is hunting again.
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