Randy Orton has been absent from WWE programming following his post-WrestleMania 42 assault on Cody Rhodes. Despite initial plans for a Backlash tag team match with Pat McAfee versus Rhodes and Jelly Roll not materializing, Orton remains off TV while WWE has filed a new trademark for “RKO.”
Wrestling exhibitions and performances by a professional wrestler and entertainer rendered through broadcast media including television and radio, and via the internet or commercial online service; providing wrestling news and information via a global computer network
The filing appears routine, though it adds to WWE’s existing portfolio of RKO-related trademarks. With storylines tightening for Orton’s potential comeback, attention remains on how WWE will reintegrate the character into evolving main event narratives. 
Current SmackDown main eventers like CM Punk, Sami Zayn, and GUNTHER complicate a direct feud with Orton, leaving Raw as a more viable return point to avoid storyline congestion. Strategic placement on RAW could allow Orton to re-enter key narratives without conflicting with ongoing high-profile rivalries.
