Major Update On Randy Orton's WWE Future
Backstage update on Randy Orton's WWE contract status following Survivor Series 2023 return.
Randy Orton's WWE contract could be extended into 2026 should the promotion choose to add time on following his lengthy injury-related absence.
Fightful Select has reported as much. The outlet references Orton teasing free agency in 2019, only to re-sign with WWE on a multi-year deal, which happened at a time when the market-leading promotion was handing out long-term contracts to lots of wrestlers at once..
One WWE source has commented that they wouldn't be surprised if Orton ended up extending his current deal, which was due to run until at least next fall. Following his 18-month injury absence, however, Orton could have time added on beyond that 2024 expiry date, which would stretch his deal into 2026.
Whether or not WWE has already extended Randy's deal is currently unclear. One WWE higher-up notes that they expect it to happen, though it is just a probability at this stage.
WWE will generally extend its talent contracts by the length of any time missed while working for the promotion as an independent contract. Exceptions exist, primarily when wrestlers have been working in other roles or on other projects.
Prior to returning at Survivor Series 2023 last month, Orton had been out of action since May 2022.