Orton Still A Top Player

Before Randy Orton returned from his suspension, there was some speculation that he may suffer a demotion. Ignoring what dirtsheets were saying, even common sense may have told you that this was a possibility. One of the WWE's top stars is getting busted for doing drugs, and at a time when the WWE is trying to be PG and not draw negative attention to itself. With one more strike needed to release him, that might make some people say that the WWE should not even bother trying with him anymore.

Randy Orton is still a top star. Without even going into making a movie, just look at how they are pushing him on Raw and Smackdown. He has been looking good. Last night on Raw, Randy Orton took on Big Show, one of the men competing for the WWE Championship at Summerslam. CM Punk and John Cena won their matches on Raw. Big Show did not win against Orton. Neither man actually won the match, but Randy Orton laid out Big Show with an RKO. Orton isn't even involved in this feud. Big Show still came back later in the night to sell the idea that he has a chance to win the title at Summerslam, but Orton is not being buried.

Problem is, Orton doesn't really have a feud or storyline going. I would not say that is a punishment. It's hard to keep the ball rolling for everyone. Christian does not really have anything going for him. Jack Swagger is lost, but that is nothing new. I don't even need to mention some of the divas who are getting nothing. Rey Mysterio looked like he may get a feud with Alberto Del Rio, but pushing Del Rio again against Sheamus has left Rey out. What should Orton get? Wade Barrett is returning. They hyped it. Technically, it looked like the WWE was already moving away from the feud between these two prior to Wade's injury, but it can be a big way to bring Wade back in. And this would not be a huge demotion for Orton. I doubt the WWE would waste Orton on Miz. They could also try putting Orton against Ziggler to further develop Ziggler's credibility, after Jericho leaves. Still, I think the feud with Barrett could be best. It would be better than bringing Wade back to squash jobbers for weeks and weeks.