WWE grants Randy Orton new five-year contract extension

WWE opted to provide Randy Orton with a new five-year contract extension in 2024 rather than utilizing a technicality regarding his recent injury layoff. Orton had been sidelined for approximately 18 months starting in May 2022 due to severe spinal trauma, which required multi-level fusion surgery.

While the company theoretically had the option to add the missed injury time to his previous contract, reports indicate WWE chose to negotiate a new deal months before his old one expired. This decision was reportedly made to ensure Orton remained satisfied with the company and to account for the significantly changed economic landscape of the wrestling industry since his last contract was signed in 2019.