Orton's Return Tease
Randy Orton Still Expected at Fanatics Fest NYC, Fuels WWE Return Rumors Despite Cancellations
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Key Points
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Orton posted on social media: "Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I’m trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15."
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Bianca Belair and Drew McIntyre were pulled from Fanatics Fest on June 26, with refunds offered to fans.
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Ringside News reports WWE sources say Orton remains expected in New York City for the weekend despite the cancellations, suggesting a potential surprise; "the expectation on both sides remains that Randy Orton will still be there."
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WrestlingHeadlines notes that WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event is set for July 18 at Madison Square Garden and mentions talk of a return ahead of SummerSlam 2026, though nothing is confirmed.
Randy Orton's autograph sessions and photo ops at Fanatics Fest NYC have been canceled, but the WWE legend is still expected to show up in New York City this weekend, according to Ringside News. The exact reason for pulling his meet-and-greet packages has not been given publicly.
Orton has not appeared on WWE television since WrestleMania 42, where he challenged Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. His last-minute removal from the Fanatics Fest schedule has sparked speculation about a possible surprise return, with WWE Saturday Night's Main Event set for July 18 at Madison Square Garden.
Orton Pulled From Fanatics Fest But Still Expected in NYC
Fanatics Fest's official talent page now lists Orton among those who will no longer be attending scheduled signings and photo ops. Fans who bought meet-and-greet packages have been offered refunds, according to eWrestlingNews. Bianca Belair and Drew McIntyre were also pulled from the event on June 26 under similar circumstances.
Despite the cancellations, WWE sources tell Ringside News that Orton is still expected to be in New York. "The expectation on both sides remains that Randy Orton will still be there," the outlet reported. That language points strongly toward a planned appearance — just not a scheduled one fans can buy tickets to meet him at.
Orton's Own Words Add Fuel to Return Speculation
Orton himself offered a teasing clue on social media. He posted: "Lmao just milking it guys, leave me alone I'm trying to enjoy my summer before I come back and take that #15." The post references what would be his 15th WWE World Championship — a record-breaking number in WWE history.
The message confirms Orton has a return on his mind, though he gave no timeline. Still Real to Us noted he has been away since April, when he challenged Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. A return at Saturday Night's Main Event at Madison Square Garden — one of wrestling's most iconic venues — would fit the moment perfectly.
Saturday Night's Main Event at MSG Looms as Return Stage
WWE Saturday Night's Main Event takes place July 18 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. WrestlingHeadlines notes that talk of an Orton return ahead of SummerSlam 2026 has circulated, though nothing is confirmed. Still, MSG is a historic stage. A surprise return there would carry enormous weight.
Sportsnaut reported that despite his name being removed from the official Fanatics Fest schedule, it is expected he will be present in New York City for the weekend. Whether that means a backstage appearance, a Fanatics Fest cameo, or a full in-ring return remains unclear heading into Saturday.
What Fans Should Know Going Into the Weekend
If you bought a meet-and-greet package for Orton at Fanatics Fest, refunds are being processed. Do not expect a scheduled signing. Any appearance this weekend is likely to be a surprise — the kind WWE does not announce in advance to protect the moment.
Wrestling Noticias confirmed that Orton's absence from WWE TV and the Fanatics Fest cancellation are linked to the same underlying situation, though no injury or specific reason has been officially stated. Fans are watching closely. With MSG on Saturday night and Orton already in town, something could happen.
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