WWE Battleground 2016 News & Updates: Randy Orton is Back; 12-time World Champion Mocks Failed UFC Drug Tests of 'SummerSlam' Opponent Brock Lesnar
After nine months of hiatus due to a shoulder injury, Randy Orton is officially ready to fight again. The 12-time world champion, popularly known as "The Viper," made his WWE Battleground return remarkable by taking a swipe at the failed UFC drug tests of his "SummerSlam" opponent Brock Lesnar.
Orton Jokes About Lesnar
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According to CBS Sports, Orton officially ended his nine-month absence by appearing on Chris Jericho's "Highlight Reel" at WWE Battleground pay-per-view. The 36-year-old wrestler, who came to talk about his incoming "SummerSlam" match against Lesnar, drew gasps and cheers from the audience after he started mocking his opponent.
"I know he's going to suplex me over and over and over again, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 times even? What is it about 20 suplexes, that's how many it takes to get to Suplex City, right?" Orton said. "Well it only takes one RKO to get to Viperville. No enhancement needed."
The final shot was an obvious reference to Lesnar who is facing a possible two-year ban from the Octagon after failing two UFC drug tests. In addition to the controversy, Mark Hunt, who was defeated by Lesnar at UFC 200 early this month, demanded $2.5 million from "The Beast" after the revelations.
Orton Also Had His Share of Violations
Some fans are not happy with Orton's joke, calling it ironic considering that "The Viper" also committed some violations in the past. Fox Sports reported that the professional wrestler had violated the WWE's Wellness Policy twice in his career.
But according to the Mirror, Orton only made the comments to create hype for his incoming match with Lesnar. He is set to face "The Beast" at the Barclays Center on August 21.
The Impact of Orton's Return
Orton's last fight in the WWE ring was in October last year. WWE.com reported that "The Viper" was cut out of his fight against The Wyatt Family after he obtained a dislocated shoulder, a partially torn rotator cuff and stretched ligaments.
Mike Chiari of Bleacher Report commented that Orton has nothing to prove considering that he already achieved almost everything as a professional wrestler. However, his return could create a huge impact to the WWE.
"Making Orton world champion or even placing him in the main event scene wouldn't be ideal, but his return could provide WWE with a significant boost in terms of roster depth and fresh feuds for other Superstars to engage in," Chiari opined.
