As seen on RAW this week, Stephanie McMahon came out and showed a video package showcasing some key moments throughout Randy Orton’s WWE career. When the package concluded, Stephanie continued putting over Orton’s accomplishments and said at the WWE Royal Rumble pay-per-view, Orton will defend the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a traditional Championship match.
It will be Orton against John Cena. Michael Cole concluded the announcement by saying, “what a blockbuster announcement.”
WWE SmackDown Notes: Roman Reigns & More Declares for Men’s Royal Rumble, Jordynne Grace & More Declares for Women’s Royal Rumble, The MFTs Wins WWE Tag Titles, AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura Set for 1/24 SNME Show, Giulia & Kiana James Wins Shot at WWE Women’s Tag Titles
WWE SmackDown Ratings – Jan. 16, 2026 – Down, Under 1 Million Viewers For 2nd Week In a Row
Various: Steph De Lander Announces She Has Been Medically Cleared By Her Surgeon From Her Neck Injury, Braun Strowman Hospitalized with Knee Infection, Indies/Misc.
