Major WWE return planned for SmackDown - Reports

WWE is presenting its highly-anticipated SmackDown season premiere tonight in Seattle. The loaded episode marks the blue brand's return to the USA Network after spending five years on FOX. Amid heavy rumors and speculations for tonight, sources could have just revealed a major spoiler for later in the show.

Randy Orton has been away since losing to Gunther at WWE Bash in Berlin on August 31. He appeared on RAW while chasing the World Heavyweight Championship on the road to Berlin, and has not appeared on SmackDown since being destroyed by The Bloodline on July 12 when trying to save Cody Rhodes.

The Apex Predator is set to return to the blue brand on tonight's season premiere, according to Fightful Select. As speculated by many, Orton is set to be Kevin Owens' mystery partner for the match against A-Town Down Under.

The latest internal run sheet for WWE producers has Orton and KO vs. Austin Theory and Grayson Waller around the start of the second hour. Last week's SmackDown saw Owens win a Triple Threat Match over Waller and Theory, but he was double-teamed after the bout.

The Viper's last televised match came at Money in the Bank on July 6, where he and Owens teamed with Cody Rhodes for a trios loss to Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, and Jacob Fatu.

His last SmackDown bout came on the June 21 edition in the Triple Threat Money in the Bank Qualifier Match against Tama Tonga and winner Carmelo Hayes.