WWE wrestler Randy Orton has reportedly undergone successful knee surgery. According to WWE, Orton had a tear in his left knee that needed surgical repair.
WWE has confirmed that Smackdown wrestler Randy Orton has undergone successful knee surgery, which was apparently necessitated by a tear in his left knee. Orton commented that he knew that he would’ve needed surgery from late last year, only to find the right time.
“I’ve known I needed the surgery since late last year, but I’ve been waiting for the right time to get my knee cleaned out,” Orton said (via WWE.com). “Right now was the right time.”
Although a knee injury is unfortunate, time off for Orton may be a positive for him if he continues wrestling a full-time schedule on WWE programming. Ever since his title feud with Jinder Mahal from last summer, Orton’s role on Smackdown has been less relevant as of late, despite being considered one of WWE’s top premier performers. With that said, some may argue that Orton needs to take up a different role when he eventually returns to the WWE. Could it be possible that Orton would be in line for a potential heel turn? It’s worth noting that Orton himself has even stated not too long ago during his current run that he disapproves of his babyface role on the E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness.
“I love it and I’m gonna use that, hopefully sooner than later when I turn heel again because I’m sick of this babyface thing, that’s for sure,” Orton said.
If turning heel means that Orton will have a much more of a relevant role on the show rather that being a face, than it’s possible WWE could make the move. However, turning heel for Orton could alienate some of his fan-base, which could affect merchandise and live event sales.
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Will Orton turn heel upon returning, or will he remain as a face, but instead be pushed to main event status once again?