Randy Orton is set to return to WWE programming following a hiatus.

'The Viper' last appeared at WrestleMania 42 Night 1, where he turned on his former partner Pat McAfee and lost to Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship. Following the match, Orton delivered a punt kick to Rhodes despite the loss.

'The Viper' is now scheduled to return to WWE on the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain at the Olympic Arena. The appearance will mark his first on WWE television since 'The Show of Shows.'

WWE has officially advertised Orton for the May 29 SmackDown taping. The return comes ahead of the Clash in Italy premium live event.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter provided context on Orton's absence. As per the report, the punt kick after WrestleMania was intended to continue the program between Orton and Rhodes with McAfee and Jelly Roll no longer involved.

"Randy Orton punting Rhodes after their WrestleMania match clearly was leading to keeping that program going with Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll no longer in the picture. Orton hasn't appeared since WrestleMania."

There is no confirmation of an Orton injury, but we had reported he was hurting. Before the show the plan was for Orton to win with the proviso that could be changed based on his injury status," they reported.