Randy Orton to make return after 'WrestleMania'?

WWE are reportedly planning to withhold Randy Orton's return to television until after WrestleMania 31.

The Viper has been absent from tapings through injury for a number of months, but recently returned to the ring at non-televised house show events.

Orton was scheduled to return for the pre-Mania build-up, but the former world heavyweight champion may make his comeback after the company's flagship event, according to the Wrestling Observer.

"They've pulled [Orton] from all TVs," said the Observer's Dave Meltzer. "So, I don't know what the story is. He was supposed to start at TV a couple of weeks ago — he's ready, he's worked all of the house shows.

"But for whatever reason, they've decided to hold off his return, and I'm thinking that since he's not going to work [at the Fast Lane pay-per-view] they figure there's no point in bringing him back now, and maybe they're going to bring him back after WrestleMania, or they'll have him do a run-in at WrestleMania."

Orton was originally pencilled in to make his return at the Royal Rumble last month.