WWE SmackDown is coming to Buffalo to ring in the new year. The host venue might have dropped a big hint at the return of a top WWE name.
Buffalo’s KeyBank Center will host the first episode of WWE SmackDown in 2026 on Friday night. Ahead of the show, the venue’s Twitter/X account announced a contest where fans could win three WWE x Buffalo Sabres t-shirts.
One of those shirts happens to have a design for Randy Orton, who has been absent from WWE programming for months.
WWE is not advertising Orton for the show, but fans have speculated on his whereabouts since his last on-air appearance in October. His last match was a tag team loss (with Cody Rhodes) to The Vision’s Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed on October 3.
It’s worth pointing out that the venue graphic is also advertising a John Cena shirt. Cena is retired and is not advertised for the show, so the Orton shirt could be a total coincidence. However, that has not stopped fan speculation that Orton could still show up outta nowhere.
Randy Orton explains why he missed John Cena’s final match
Many fans questioned why Orton was not present at John Cena’s final match this month. Orton was in Saudi Arabia promoting the 2026 Royal Rumble for WWE, and said he spoke with Cena that day ahead of the event.
“I broke into the wrestling business and grew up for the past 2 decades alongside @johncena I wrestled with or against him 100 times, at least. I would have enjoyed being there in DC for #wwe #snme and witness his emotional send off into retirement. But I know if ANYONE understands my absence, it’s John, because I was in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia #KSA promoting #riyadhseason and #royalrumble,” Orton wrote on Instagram.
“The morning of his retirement we exchanged a few texts, and I was honored to speak with him on such a big day. I look forward to following John’s career in Hollywood AND beyond. Skys the limit with this guy. An inspiration not only to generations of fans, but to myself, who was lucky enough to learn firsthand from one of the most OVER wrestlers ever. Thanks for being so good to my family over the years and thanks for making the lockeroom a better place. Take care John, and I’ll see ya around. ??❤️”
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