2012 Royal Rumble: Why You Should Not Count out Randy Orton

It used to be known as the mecca of wrestling—the place where only the best came through town to show off their talents and prove they were the best of the best and the baddest of the baddest.

In the National Wrestling Alliance, there were few territories that could keep up with the talent-rich pool of St. Louis and the work of former promoter and former NWA president, Sam Muchnick. There, the likes of Johnny Valentine, Ric Flair, Harley Race, Jack Brisco, Gene Kiniski and Jack Brisco all learned their craft coming through the territory.

The success of the NWA would never have been as great if not for Muchnick, the Kiel Auditorium and the stars who came through the Missouri Territory.

This weekend, the same city that is rich in wrestling history will be center stage at the Royal Rumble. And the city's current favorite son, Randy Orton, looks primed to make a comeback on one of the WWE's most important PPV events leading up to WrestleMania 28.

But is Orton, who is recovering from a back injury, ready to come back and prove he is still one to be reckoned with, or is the "Viper" making a mistake by jumping back in the ring too soon as it was discussed as a topic in an article about his most recent injuries?

Orton has not been in the world title picture since dropping the title to Mark Henry. Injuries have played a role in part of that reason. But the rise of Henry, the return of Big Show and the sudden need to make Daniel Bryan the World Champion, have also attributed to Orton being placed in the middle of the championship ladder.

Maybe by winning the championship, Orton can re-establish himself as a serious contender for another title shot.

Orton used to be the face of SmackDown and the most popular and recognizable face on the brand. But he was also known as the most ornery and the most combative. He was hard to get along with for storylines and did not want to relinquish titles. His battle with Christian and the subsequent title changes between him in 2011 proved that not only could Orton learn to play well with others, but it also showed a maturity needed to be great.

Now, as one of the more veteran wrestlers in the company, Orton is giving way to the likes of Cody Rhodes, Dolph Ziggler, Jack Swagger and Zack Ryder. But in his defense, he has learned to sell from his opponents and made himself look even better.

Recently, Orton’s feud with Wade Barrett has been nothing more than genius, and while the battles have not moved Orton any closer to the world title and SmackDown’s apex, it has proven that Barrett is a future part of this company.

And while the likes of Rey Mysterio, Christian and The Undertaker still appear to be sidelined with injuries, Orton’s possible return could mean he is ready to get back into the title picture.

A feud with Chris Jericho, CM Punk or even Dolph Ziggler could very well take the Apex Predator back toward the top of the WWE food chain. And if he were to win at the Royal Rumble, it would move him closer to a shot at the WWE title.

The WWE loves to play on the fact that a superstar is returning to their home town. Not only is Orton returning there, he could very well leave it with a WWE title shot.