Overview
- Wrestling Observer Radio, in a report republished by Sports Illustrated, said Orton is sidelined with a significant back injury and suggested it explained his WrestleMania outcome.
- Orton replied on X, writing that people were “milking it” and saying he is trying to enjoy the summer before coming back to take his 15th world title.
- He has not appeared on WWE programming since losing to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, where he attacked Rhodes after the match and then went off TV.
- The 14-time champion missed more than a year following double fusion back surgery in 2022 and later described severe leg pain and numbness before his return.
- His joking tone left his exact condition unstated, and fans are sizing up the claim as Dave Meltzer’s recent reporting has drawn scrutiny from other promotions and officials.