On the December 30 th , 2011 episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton and Wade Barrett continued their feud. Both Superstars competed in a Falls Count Anywhere Match. The Match did not go well for Orton as he suffered an injury during the Match. A winner for the Match was never declared as the referee was knocked unconscious. That did not stop Orton and Barrett from fighting each other. The two continued to fight throughout the arena. The fight took them backstage, down hall ways, and even onto an elevator. The fight eventually brought them to a stair case, that Orton fell down. Orton laid at the bottom of the stair case, barley moving as SmackDown went off the air.
According to WWE Doctor Michael Sampson the fall caused Orton to suffer “a herniated disc on the L4-L5 level on the left side, and thats resulting in pain and weakness down his leg. He’s going to need some time off for rehab, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.”
A time line was not given for Orton’s return. Word going around is that he will be out of action for a few weeks. Orton finds himself in the same boat as Alberto Del Rio. Del Rio suffered a complete groin tear that will keep him out of action for four to six weeks. If everything goes as planned Del Rio could return the night of the Royal Rumble. Orton could do the same unless his injury turns out to be more severe. Even if Orton is not one hundred percent when the Royal Rumble rolls around he could still compete. Orton could enter the Match as one of the final Superstars. Orton could win the Match and punch his ticket to WrestleMania. In the meantime Orton would be able to nurse his injury. This would only be a good scenario if the WWE is planning for Orton to win the Royal Rumble.
If Orton is not one hundred percent the WWE should not place him in the Royal Rumble to lose. The impact from getting tossed over the top rope could cause Orton’s injury to worsen. Unless the WWE wants to lose one of their top Superstars for a longer period of time, it is best that Orton does not compete until he can take a bump without causing further damage to himself.
Sources:
Randy Orton’s Injury
Watching WWE Programming