Report: More On Randy Orton's Absence From WWE Raw

Despite being advertised for the show, Randy Orton missed this week's episode of Raw.

It now looks as though he is set to take some time away from WWE.

Discussing Orton's absence on Wrestling Observer Live, Bryan Alvarez said:

"I do not know what is going on with Randy Orton, but I was told he's going to be gone for a little while. I don't know why. I don't know when he'll be back. They're continuing on as if they'll be getting a championship match, maybe at the Chamber...Of course, when they say he won't be back for a little while, he could be back Monday".

Randy had previously been advertised for a 'scooter race' segment on this past Monday's show.

Orton's RK-Bro tag partner Riddle ended up taking on both members of Alpha Academy alone in the race, before beating Otis in a singles match to qualify for the upcoming WWE Title Elimination Chamber match.

The Viper participated in the Royal Rumble this past Saturday, entering at number 29 and helping to eliminate Otis and Big E, before being eliminated by eventual winner Brock Lesnar.

It was noted by some that Randy's Rumble appearance was oddly muted, since the show was taking place in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri and he received a large pop, only to last 2:21 and be eliminated with relative ease.

The WrestleVotes Twitter account has suggested that some within WWE creative want to book the inevitable Orton versus Riddle match at WrestleMania, with the idea that if the match happens it should be for the WWE Title.