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Randy Orton's Mystery Phone Call Teases Return of WWE Legend

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Steven Harrison | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 10:38 PM ET

Randy Orton made a surprise appearance on the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw via satellite. Michael Cole was supposed to conduct an interview with him, but when the broadcast cut to Orton, he was already on the phone with someone.

Orton told the mystery caller that it was good to see them a few days ago and agreed that it “was time” for him to do what he did. Turning his attention to Cole, Orton added that after speaking with someone wiser than him, he remembered exactly what he is: a killer.

His brief remarks ended with a cryptic line directed at Cole: “Wrestling has more than one royal family.”

That comment all but gives away who Orton may have been speaking with. The segment strongly teased the return of Bob Orton Jr.

Randy Orton will face Cody Rhodes as a heel at WrestleMania 42.Getty Images

Who Is Bob Orton Jr.?

Bob Orton Jr. is a WWE Hall of Famer who, technically, has never officially retired. He is the son of Bob Orton Sr., a well-known wrestler from the territory era of the 20th century.

When Randy Orton debuted in WWE in 2002, he was heavily promoted as a “third-generation superstar,” a distinction that was still relatively rare at the time. Today, multiple third- and fourth-generation stars populate WWE, but Orton was among the first to bring that lineage to the forefront of his character.

Following his breakout run with Evolution, WWE paired Randy with his father on-screen. Bob Orton Jr. served as Randy’s manager and was in his corner for the match against The Undertaker at WrestleMania 21.

What’s Next for Randy Orton?

"Wrestling has more than one Royal Family" @RandyOrton pic.twitter.com/J1hqa5YpAv
— WWE (@WWE) March 17, 2026

WWE appears to be laying the groundwork for Orton to play psychological games with Cody Rhodes by bringing his own father back into the story. The dynamic is especially pointed given that Cody’s father, Dusty Rhodes, is no longer alive.

If that is the direction WWE takes, it would mark a particularly ruthless heel move from Orton—and an interesting parallel for WrestleMania season, where both main event programs could include the legacies of the fathers who shaped their stars.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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