There are plenty of news stories to delve into from World Wrestling Entertainment. Still, the most significant seems to revolve around a future Hall of Famer and 15-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Randy Orton, and his back injury.
The Apex Predator’s Uncertain Path
Randy Orton, also known as “The Viper” and “The Apex Predator,” has been absent from the WWE ring for quite some time. Initially thought to be temporary, his injury troubles now appear much more severe.
His father, Cowboy Bob Orton Jr., revealed in a recent interview with SportsKeeda that medical professionals have suggested Orton consider retirement. Despite this, whether Orton will heed this advice remains to be seen.
Orton’s Back Injury and Its Consequences
Orton has been dealing with a back injury since November of the previous year, and it was reported that he underwent surgery to fuse his lower back. This procedure has resulted in a long-term hiatus from wrestling.
Though there were rumors of his return around WrestleMania, the recent health update suggests that Orton is nowhere near ready. His father’s revelation has cast doubt on whether the former champion will ever return to the ring.
Retirement vs. Passion
Despite his serious health concerns, Orton’s strong determination to return to wrestling is common among wrestlers who struggle to hang up their boots.
His father noted that Orton’s love for wrestling and the thrill of the crowd makes it difficult for him to leave, despite the medical advice. However, he also reassured fans that Orton is enjoying a good family life during his absence from the ring.
In other news: SmackDown’s Record-Breaking Achievement
In other WWE news, SmackDown’s latest episode in Knoxville, Tennessee, marked a historic achievement for the company.
According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, the recent episode of the blue brand’s weekly show became the highest-grossing event in WWE history for that market. This accomplishment is the latest in a series of successful live events and televised shows for WWE in 2023.
As reported on https://t.co/jy8u4a7WDa today, Smackdown in Knoxville was WWE's highest grossing event in the market ever
— Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful.com (@SeanRossSapp) May 14, 2023
The Rising Success of WWE in 2023
- WWE’s Q1 report revealed that ticket sales and live attendance figures have skyrocketed, resulting in impressive profits. Despite running fewer events than last year, WWE has increased ticket sales and prices, reaping the rewards.
- The company’s growth and success are expected to continue as it prepares to merge with UFC later this year under the Endeavor umbrella.
It’s official: WWE and UFC are now under the same umbrella. The WWE-Endeavor deal is a done deal. https://t.co/x0W5fM4vXF pic.twitter.com/DCY3125FgR
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) April 3, 2023
Downstate: Eager to Produce More WWE Tracks
Downstate, the band responsible for Cody Rhodes’s iconic Kingdom entrance theme, wants to create more music for WWE. They’ve urged WWE to reach out to them for new themes, particularly in light of recent reports suggesting that several entrance themes will be revamped in the coming months.
Eric Bischoff Weighs in on Cody Rhodes’s WrestleMania Defeat
The conclusion of WrestleMania 39, which saw Cody Rhodes lose to Roman Reigns in the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship main event, stirred controversy among fans. Solo Sikoa’s interference helped Reigns retain his title, leading many to decry the outcome.
- Eric Bischoff, known for believing that controversy creates cash, shared his perspective on the contentious decision, stating that Reigns’s win was the correct move, provided WWE has a long-term plan.
Eric Bischoff On Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania 39 Loss: It Was The Right Move As Long As There's A Plan https://t.co/i3Ehyf4IsC
— Fightful Wrestling (@Fightful) May 14, 2023
- He lauded the storytelling and character development in the Bloodline storyline and expressed hope that WWE would replicate such success in their handling of Cody Rhodes.
- However, he also cautioned that WrestleMania could be a lost opportunity without a robust follow-up plan.
As the world of WWE continues to churn out stories and controversies, the future of these stars and the organization’s direction remain fascinating topics for wrestling fans worldwide. Watch out for the next wave of WWE news, and remember to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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