WWE: Randy Orton Appearance Set for 3/20 WWE SmackDown Show, Backstage Update on Reason Why Royce Keys Didn’t Go To NXT Brand, Paul Heyman Celebrates 25th Anniversary of His Official WWE Debut

Randy Orton Appearance Announced for March 20th WWE SmackDown Show

WWE announced one new segment for the card of this week’s WWE SmackDown show on March 20th at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

This new segment announced was Randy Orton to make an appearance on the show.

Current card for March 20th WWE SmackDown show:

• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – The Bella Twins (Nikki & Brie Bella) vs. The Irresistible Forces (Lash Legend & Nia Jax) (c)
• The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin & Alex Shelley) vs. Fraxiom (Nathan Frazer & Axiom)
• Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
• Kit Wilson to call out Jelly Roll
• Randy Orton to appear

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Backstage Update on Reason Why Royce Keys Didn’t Go To NXT Brand

As noted before, Royce Keys, former Powerhouse Hobbs in AEW, made his official debut appearance in WWE at this past January’s WWE Royal Rumble 2026 event. Keys has been absent from WWE television since that event but has competed in several dark matches in recent weeks.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that the reason why Keys was not sent to WWE’s NXT brand and was immediately brought up to the main roster was due to WWE officials were adamant on wanting this to be done for him. It was reported that this was something that WWE officials had made clear very early into their talks with him for a deal.

It was reported that those spoken to confirmed that Keys has been involved in the filming of additional projects for his abscense but it is currently not known what these projects are.

It was reported that WWE officials’ current creative plans for Keys are currently not known.

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Paul Heyman Celebrates 25th Anniversary of His Official WWE Debut

Paul Heyman recently reflected on Monday on Twitter about this past Sunday being the 25th anniversary of his official debut in WWE.

“Just catching up on a lot of social media today.

This one popped me huge.

Three things to notice.

(1) Man, I am not only cute, I’m the best damn commentator that has ever sat at the desk.

(2) @JRsBBQ says “I don’t know what I did to deserve this.” Yes you do. YES YOU DO! And it started with #WCWNewYork

(3) First people I commented on? @TripleH and @StephMcMahon.

Funny note – Steph HATED me called her the Billion Dollar Princess. Absolutely despised the monicker.

But rest assured, she got even with me for it!

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣”

Just catching up on a lot of social media today.

This one popped me huge.

Three things to notice.

(1) Man, I am not only cute, I'm the best damn commentator that has ever sat at the desk.

(2) @JRsBBQ says "I don't know what I did to deserve this." Yes you do. YES YOU DO!… https://t.co/5WD56rn8dR

— Paul Heyman (@HeymanHustle) March 15, 2026