Randy Orton is expected to make his return to the ring relatively soon, but will reportedly be going against the advice of his doctors.

The former WWE World Champion hasn't competed since May of last year when he and Matt Riddle lost the Raw Tag Team Championships to The Usos. Orton's severe back injury would play a factor in WWE's decision to unify the Raw & SmackDown Tag Team Championships as they wanted the gold quickly off of RK-Bro.


It has been over 17 months since Orton's last match, but the Legend Killer is expected to return very soon. Orton is expected to make his return to TV in time for Survivor Series, according to recent reports, but it is unclear if he will return in the weeks prior to the November 25, event, or if his return will be saved for the show itself. Orton was spotted at the WWE Performance Center last month.

Orton is going against the advice of his doctor, the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has reported. The Viper's doctor believes that Orton should retire, given the severe nature of his back injury. Orton however intends to continue wrestling until he's 50, if that is possible given his condition. The former WWE World Champion, who is currently 42, has been one of the promotion's highest-paid Superstars for years.

The report reiterated previous reports that Orton's return is in the works in time for Survivor Series. The former WWE World Champion has often been the sole survivor at the event, and was the sole survivor and victorious in traditional Survivor Series matches from 2003 to 2005. Orton has also successfully defended the WWE Championship multiple times at the event.