Perhaps the biggest story going into Survivor Series was the long-awaited return of Randy Orton, who was out of action for almost two years after undergoing double fusion back surgery. But when CM Punk made his “no way in hell” return to WWE at the end of the event, Orton’s heralded comeback became an afterthought.

As reports surface saying Punk signed a multi-year deal, there is also scrutiny surrounding Punk’s temperament, which may make him a short-term investment for the sports entertainment giant. Meanwhile, the since-muted return of Orton, who has been a WWE mainstay since 2002, may prove more impactful in the long run.

On Saturday (Nov.25), The Viper arrived looking more like a king cobra, as Orton appeared visibly more muscular than when he was last seen in May 2022. Once he got in the ring for War Games, he played some of his greatest hits before hitting a supersized RKO on JD McDonagh to put the exclamation mark on his return, though there were some fans who thought that Orton looked slower.

Perhaps his increase in size, potential ring rust, Father Time, or a combination of all three account for Orton losing some speed off his proverbial fastball, assuming he has lost a step or two. Only future performances will give audiences a better indication of that.

But assuming Orton isn’t the Randy of old but is just old Randy, that might be more exciting than a spry Orton. It may even give us the best version of Randy Orton anyone has seen yet.

Over the years, WWE Hall of Famer John “Bradshaw” Layfield has often said that if one were to build a sports entertainer from the ground up, “you’d get Randy Orton,” and it’s hard to argue with his assessment.

Orton has always maintained the look of a superstar while exhibiting a smoothness in the ring that few can match. His psychology of knowing what to do and when to do it has made him a master in the ring. But what Orton does between moves, how he sells or uses his body and facial expressions to build anticipation before executing a maneuver, is as exciting as the move itself, even if that move is a chin lock.

All that comes with the wisdom of being a third-generation star with 20-plus years of high-level experience. That knowledge and a shopping list of injuries have taught Orton to be smarter with his body. In 2018, prior to WrestleMania, Orton talked about being wiser in the gym, adjusting his training to better care for his body due to the wear and tear he has sustained after two decades of ring service.

It’s currently unknown what Orton may be doing differently at the gym in 2023 following back surgery. However, it stands to reason that he’s taking the same approach to training by working hard yet smart, a philosophy that likely will carry over into the ring. And it’s there that Orton’s comeback becomes an exciting mystery.

As wrestlers gain experience, the exceptional ones learn techniques that let them rely less on physicality and more on their body language and speaking abilities to tell a story in the ring. Orton, who’s already a skilled storyteller, has openly expressed his dislike for the faster wrestling style. Considering he aims to continue wrestling until he reaches 50, it’ll be interesting to see what tricks this 43-year-old Randy Orton will have up his sleeves.

With a wealth of knowledge at his fingertips, perhaps the best is yet to come for Orton.

And that stands to be good news for wrestling fans.