Randy Orton has explained his absence from John Cena’s final match, while praising him as an inspiration.
Randy Orton and John Cena had one of the biggest rivalries in the history of WWE. The pair were synonymous with each other, facing off dozens of times throughout the promotion’s Ruthless Agression era and beyond.
The pair clashed over the Undisputed WWE Championship one more time at Backlash earlier in 2025. Unlike most of their history, Cena went into the match as a heel, and finally got a measure of revenge for all of the dirty tricks Orton pulled over two decades when he ended The Viper’s challenge with a vicious low blow to retain the gold.
With the history they had, many fans were surprised that Orton didn’t appear at Saturday Night’s Main Event when the locker room emptied to pay tribute to Cena as he left the ring for the last time. In a post on Instagram, Orton has explained that he would have enjoyed the moment, but was in Saudi Arabia doing promotion for the 2026 Royal Rumble.
“I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for the past 2 decades alongside @johncena I wrestled with or against him 100 times, at least. I would have enjoyed being there in DC for #wwe #snme and witness his emotional send off into retirement. But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, because I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia #KSA promoting #riyadhseason and #royalrumble.”
“Sky’s The Limit With This Guy” – Randy Orton On John Cena’s Post-WWE Career
Randy Orton went on to thank John Cena, saying he had been able to learn from “one of the most over wrestlers ever.”
“The morning of his retirement we exchanged a few texts, and I was honored to speak with him on such a big day. I look forward to following John’s career in Hollywood AND beyond. Skys the limit with this guy. An inspiration not only to generations of fans, but to myself, who was lucky enough to learn firsthand from one of the most OVER wrestlers ever. Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the lockeroom a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around.”
While he has been missing in action for several months now, there have been hints that Randy Orton’s WWE return is imminent. As well as promoting the Royal Rumble, The Viper has been spotted on the official poster for the SmackDown taping days before the event.
