Is Randy Orton legitimately injured again after The Bloodline's beatdown of him? What we know

The latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown aired last night on the FOX Network and the show was a hit, but Randy Orton was notably absent. This was addressed right from the top by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.

The American Nightmare revealed that Randy Orton was not present during Friday Night SmackDown. This was due to an attack by The Bloodline the previous week where The Viper was brutally put through the announcer's table.

This moment was eerily similar to the beatdown angle that led to The Viper disappearing from television for 18 months to have a near career-ending back surgery. Now, many people are wondering if he is legitimately injured again. Thankfully, that is not likely the case. Instead, this is storytelling by the Triple H regime.

The Viper being taken out by Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa makes a lot of sense from a story perspective. Cody needs to be out of allies for SummerSlam 2024, as that will make his victory over Solo all the more compelling.

Not only that, but Orton's alleged injury makes way for a potential Roman Reigns return. On top of that, it could sow seeds of dissension between The American Nightmare and The Legend Killer, possibly setting up a future match.

---

Kevin Owens may be on the shelf next to Randy Orton following WWE SmackDown

As a result of Randy Orton being absent from Friday Night SmackDown, Cody Rhodes was seemingly on his own. This proved to be bad news when A-Town Down Under's Grayson Waller and Austin Theory chose to pick a fight with the top star of the blue brand.

While the Undisputed WWE Champion thwarted the two with a steel chair, a match was later set up and Nick Aldis insisted Rhodes find a partner. After missing some time due to his mother's poor health, Kevin Owens appeared and sided with Cody.

The bout went well and the babyfaces won, but post-match, Owens and Rhodes were once again attacked by The Bloodline. Jacob Fatu, in particular, was violent, as was Tama Tonga, who smashed Kevin's neck into the ring post with a chair around his head.

While no official update has been given, it appears Kevin Owens may also be "injured" alongside Randy Orton. This sets Cody up to be all alone when he defends his gold at SummerSlam 2024.

Two stars taken out means Rhodes could very well be on his own. There is no better time for Roman Reigns to return and confront Solo Sikoa while also officially becoming a babyface.