Randy Orton made a victorious return to WWE SmackDown premiere on USA Network, teaming with Kevin Owens to defeat Austin Theory and Grayson Waller in a tag team match. Orton, who had been absent since his loss to Gunther at “Bash in Berlin” in an attempt to capture his 15th WWE World Title, looked as dominant as ever. Though he fell short in Berlin, his return to SmackDown signals that “The Viper” is back with a vengeance.
The crowd erupted in cheers when Orton’s music hit, and as Orton made his way to the ring, fans noticed a significant moment. During his entrance, Orton briefly cast a look towards the crowd and made an eye contact with none other than WWE legend Rob Van Dam (RVD), who was seated in the front row.
Though small, the moment was powerful, as Orton’ expression relaxed for a second, seemingly acknowledging RVD with a look of respect. A Twitter (now X) user, Mo (@PrinceA51800613), quickly noticed the moment, shared a screenshot and tweeted, “Randy Orton look at RVD lol who else noticed that lol”.
Randy Orton look at RVD lol who else noticed that lol https://t.co/HxDWGjCWaR pic.twitter.com/K5DlHzLz1M
— Mo (@PrinceA51800613) September 14, 2024
Orton’s acknowledgment of RVD may have been brief, but it carried a lot of weight. Both men are former world champions, legends in their own right, and have crossed paths numerous times throughout their careers. It’s no surprise that Orton would show respect to a fellow Hall of Famer.
While Orton’s return was celebrated by fans as he reestablishes himself on the blue brand, the big question now is what lies ahead for “The Viper.” As of now, Orton’s victory alongside Kevin Owens serves as a reminder that he is still one of the most dangerous competitors in WWE, and with legends like RVD watching from the crowd, the legacy of Randy Orton continues to grow.
