Randy Orton Makes a Comeback in WWE Smackdown, Advances in King of the Ring Tournament

Randy Orton's Return to WWE Smackdown

Randy Orton, known as The Viper, has made a triumphant return to WWE Smackdown, moving closer to clinching the 2025 King of the Ring title. His journey to the semifinals was aided by unexpected interferences from WWE Raw Superstars, setting him up for a showdown against Sami Zayn next week.

In his first match after a month-long hiatus, Orton triumphed over LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes, and Aleister Black in a Fatal-4-Way contest, securing his spot in the semifinals. The match's dynamics shifted when Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker intervened, eliminating Knight from contention.

The match began with Hayes and Black exchanging blows, soon joined by Orton and Knight. Orton executed a scoop slam on all three opponents before attempting a ring-draping DDT on Black and Hayes, which Knight interrupted with a jumping neckbreaker.

As Knight attempted a move from the ropes, Reed pushed him off, leading to a spear from Breakker. Hayes then tried to splash Knight from the top rope, but Orton countered with a spectacular RKO mid-air, pinning Knight for the win.

Next week, Orton will face Zayn on WWE Smackdown, with the victor advancing to the final match at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia. The winner of the King of the Ring tournament will earn a shot at the world title during SummerSlam. Additionally, the 2025 Queen of the Ring tournament will continue in the upcoming episode.

Match Card for WWE Smackdown on June 20

The June 20 episode of WWE Smackdown will take place at the Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The confirmed match card includes:

– Non-title Match: John Cena vs. R-Truth

– King of the Ring semifinals: Randy Orton vs. Sami Zayn

– Queen of the Ring semifinals: Alexa Bliss vs. Asuka/Stephanie Vaquer/Raquel Rodriguez/Ivy Nile winner