WWE: Will Randy Orton Return to the Main Event as a Heel?

On May 30, Randy Orton began a 60-day suspension for his second violation of the WWE's Wellness Policy.

Despite only drifting in and out of Championship contention, as well as having to make do with mid-card feuds with Wade Barrett and Kane, in the weeks leading up to his suspension he was still receiving some of the biggest pops from a crowd happy just to see him in action.

Whatever heat may be on him backstage, WWE officials and top brass have little option but to return him to the fray as soon as is convenient due to depth issues and concern over the wealth of talent available on the Smackdown roster.

The question of just how he will return is one that will no doubt give the creative team multiple headaches over the coming weeks.

At this current point in time, WWE can only count three top-level babyfaces in John Cena, Sheamus and CM Punk (not counting Orton), whilst heels like Alberto Del Rio and Daniel Bryan have not yet reached the point where they can count themselves as monster heels.

The issue with Orton is that, despite the fact that he himself openly acknowledges that he would rather play the villain, the WWE would rather have as many top face superstars as possible, not to mention the fact that there would be doubts regarding the audience's willingness to accept such a sudden change in his character (via Wrestlinginc.com).

After all, Orton is the heel that's cheered, and would need to push the limits of malevolence much further than Chris Jericho did upon his return if he was to make the transformation back to fully-fledged villain.

Finding room for Orton in the main event picture will also be an issue for WWE officials.

With CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, and possibly John Cena tied up in a WWE Championship feud, and Sheamus and Del Rio unlikely to see their dispute come to an end at Money in the Bank, it is doubtful that Orton will be given the opportunity to compete for meaningful gold in the near future.

What is more likely, is that any push Orton was to receive before the suspension will be put on ice beyond Summerslam and possibly deep into the Fall, and will have to make do with more mid-card action alongside the likes of Dolph Ziggler and others.

Therefore, perhaps the question we should be asking is not how Orton will return, but when, and in what capacity?

One thing's for certain, there is much uncertainty regarding the future of one of the industry's biggest names.

What do you think? Sound off on your thoughts below.