Randy Orton Is a Crucial Missing Piece of WWE's New Era

Last October, Randy Orton was sidelined with a shoulder injury that has now kept him on the shelf for more than six months. In recent weeks, the New Era WWE is embarking on has made the absence of The Viper all the more noticeable.

When Orton arrived on the scene in 2002, it didn't take an expert to predict that he was poised to accomplish great things in WWE.

The Viper simply had everything that the company is known to look for in a budding superstar. He was a handsome 6-footer from a wrestling family, and when he became a member of Evolution, his path to the top was clear for all to see.

Indeed, Orton would go on to become the youngest competitor to hold the World Heavyweight Championship and notch up another 11 world title reigns.

However, in recent years he's become known for consistently strong matches rather than a constant presence in the main event.

Look back to SummerSlam 2014. Roman Reigns was still being tested as a singles performer, so who did he face? Randy Orton—and the match remains one of Reigns' best since The Shield dissolved.

Credit: WWE.com

Orton has the legitimacy that comes with being a former world champion, but he's able to deliver between the ropes in a way that others in his position simply cannot. That makes him an ideal opponent for the current crop of superstars who cut their teeth working the independent scene.

There's a bevy of fresh, exciting matches waiting for The Viper when he makes his return. A feud with Sami Zayn is a must if he's set to come back as a villain. He could match athleticism with the underused Apollo Crews. Plus, there's the prospect of a program pitting Orton against AJ Styles.

However, it's not just these more seasoned wrestlers who could benefit from a rivalry with The Apex Predator. Orton could well be the perfect opponent to start building up Baron Corbin as a formidable presence on the main roster.

Ring work is increasingly important in this new era, and in that respect, Orton can definitely deliver. Beyond that, his status in the company means that he could be an important scalp for up-and-comers attempting to rise through the ranks.

There have been times over the last five years when RKO has seemed like a spare part, waiting around for something to do. Now he's off our screens—and at a time where he would be a great asset.

WWE is in a constant state of evolution due to the nature of the business, but we've seen that process accelerate recently. For some members of the roster, their days might be numbered, but Orton's in-ring abilities should allow him to fit right in as part of this burgeoning New Era.

Fans should be sending Orton their get-well wishes in the hopes that he'll be lacing up his boots sooner rather than later—because he's poised to tear it up once he's healthy enough to step back in the ring.