WWE legend "The Viper" Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming since WrestleMania 42, where he was unable to dethrone "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes as the Undisputed WWE Champion in the main event on Night One of the Show of Shows.
After missing several weeks of action, WWE is now advertising Orton for the May 29 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. This episode will serve as the go-home show for the Clash in Italy, taking place at the Olympic Arena in Barcelona, Spain.
Reports indicate that Orton was initially expected to win in Las Vegas, but plans changed to extend the feud beyond WrestleMania. At WrestleMania, Orton ended his association with Pat McAfee by hitting him with an RKO in the closing moments of the match.
However, this move cost Orton dearly, as Rhodes took advantage of the situation and delivered a decisive Cross Rhodes to retain his title. Nevertheless, Orton had the last laugh, smashing Rhodes with the championship belt and punting him to close out the show. Rhodes is currently involved in a feud with GUNTHER, and they are likely set to face each other at Clash in Italy. It will be interesting to see how Orton re-enters the title picture.
