5 Reasons Randy Orton didn't explain why he attacked Edge on WWE RAW

Edge returned to WWE after almost 9 years at the 2020 Royal Rumble, coming out at #21 and lasting until the final three, where he was eliminated by Roman Reigns. Edge got a hero's welcome on his return and got another massive reaction the following night on RAW.

Edge cut an emotional promo regarding having to retire early and how he somehow managed to return after all this time. He put it down to his grit, and told fans he wanted them to be with him on his journey for however long it lasted.

Edge was then interrupted by Randy Orton who met Edge with a hug but eventually ended up hitting him with an RKO. Orton went on to viciously attack Edge with a steel chair, finishing his attack off with a con-chair-to. Fans in the arena were livid and understandably so.

On this week's episode of WWE RAW, Randy Orton opened the show but refused to address his actions. The Viper refused to explain why he had left Edge in a heap following his return to the ring after 9 years. We take a look at a few possible reasons why Orton refused to explain his actions.

#5 WWE are using Randy Orton's silence to build suspense

WWE could be using this to build suspense

Randy Orton refused to tell us why he attacked Edge on last week's RAW. One possible reason for this could be to simply build suspense. Instead of Orton telling us everything right away, WWE can use this opportunity to slowly build the feud over the next few weeks.

Orton refusing to explain his actions will leave fans to fill the gap until its time for WWE to tell us. This could also help fans get even more engaged in this rivalry.

#4 To cement Randy Orton's new character direction

Randy Orton

One factor that hasn't been discussed as much as it should have since Orton's heel turn last week is his new character direction. When Orton interrupted Edge's promo on last week's episode of WWE RAW, one of the first things he said was he had often shot himself in the foot thanks to his 'self-destructive personality'.

This was a foreshadowing of what went on to happen moments later when Randy Orton took out Edge with the RKO. Orton continued his attack on Edge but throughout, he looked like he was almost in two minds about whether to go through or not.

On tonight's episode of RAW, Orton refused to explain the reason behind attacking his former tag-team partner. One of the reasons could be that Randy Orton was actually regretting what he had done.

Even though he didn't want to attack Edge, his self-destructive side had gotten the better of him that night. This could be why he was unable to explain his actions.

#3 Orton was jealous and wanted to show his contempt for the WWE Universe

Edge got a massive reaction from fans after his return

Randy Orton was a babyface going into last week's episode of WWE RAW. Orton's always been better at being a heel because it was the role he was born to play. He showed it again on RAW last week after his attack on Edge, instantly getting the fans to viciously turn on him. He continued to draw nuclear heat from the fans as he methodically destroyed Edge.

On RAW this week, Randy Orton came out but barely said a word and refused to explain his actions. One reason could have been jealousy. Orton as a babyface has often received lukewarm reactions from smart crowds and after seeing the reaction Edge got when he returned at the Royal Rumble could have been eating away at Orton.

While Edge was out of action for 9 years, Orton gave it all for the fans and when he saw Edge's homecoming he just couldn't take it anymore.

#2 Edge will not be on RAW every week

Edge will not work a full schedule on his return to the company

Edge has reportedly signed a lucrative 3-year deal with the WWE ahead of his return. The deal will see working limited dates although his appearances won't be as limited as those of Brock Lesnar.

With Edge only appearing for a limited number of dates, WWE have to use him wisely in the run up to WrestleMania. At the same time, Edge can be kept off television right now to sell what Randy Orton did to him on last week's episode of RAW. Thus, having Randy Orton come out in front of the WWE Universe and not say anything or explain his actions gives WWE more time to decide which direction they want this feud to go in.

Orton refusing to say anything also buys more time for this feud, with Orton literally having to do nothing on his part. WWE may have made some bad booking decisions in recent months, but booking Orton to stay silent after his vicious attack was pure genius.

#1 To sell the gravity of what Randy Orton did

Randy Orton destroyed Edge last week on RAW

The finale of last week's episode of WWE RAW was booked brilliantly. Edge came out first and cut an emotional promo in front of the fans in attendance regarding his return. Just when Edge had us all eating out of the palm of his hands, Randy Orton came out. Orton first teased a return for Rated RKO before hitting Edge with an RKO out of nowhere. This drew nuclear heat from the fans in attendance.

Orton went on to do what he does best. He slowly and methodically destroyed a helpless Edge as the fans in the arena grew louder and angrier.

Orton finished it off by laying Edge's head on a chair and hitting him with a con-chair-to. We haven't seen someone draw such genuine heat on RAW in a long long time. Orton followed up his vicious attack by doing something unexpected on tonight's RAW - he stayed silent and refused to try and explain his actions.

We think that this will help sell the gravity of what Orton did when he turned on his longtime friend.