Randy Orton’s 60-Day Drug Suspension Ends, Changes To SmackDown Shows

Randy Orton’s 60-day suspension for his second violation of WWE’s Talent Wellness Program has ended—suspended effective May 30. He returns imminently as he is scheduled for Monday’s Raw in Cincinnati, Ohio and Tuesday’s SmackDown taping in Indianapolis, Indiana.

According to F4WOnline.com, his suspension stemmed from a positive drug test for elevated levels of testosterone. He reportedly told people that he took a tainted supplement containing the testosterone, causing him to fail, and acknowledged that he should have been more careful. WWE chief Vince McMahon was said to have been livid with Orton over the matter, particularly since he was so “outspokenly indifferent.”

Orton’s suspension caused a ripple effect on SmackDown as John Cena, Triple H, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan were shifted to several shows this summer to alleviate the brand’s lack of star power. Punk and Bryan will resume their feud at Raw live events beginning this weekend while Cena will cease making special appearances following SmackDown broadcasts in three weeks. Triple H will continue to make special appearances on SmackDown until further notice.

VIDEO – Randy Orton gets angry at Kofi Kingston during live TV »