Wrestling fans erupted in Buffalo, New York as Randy Orton made a triumphant return to WWE SmackDown, delivering a New Year's message The Miz won't soon forget.

The veteran wrestler interrupted Miz's opening segment, which had been filled with complaints about his recent wrestling disappointments, including a surprising loss to NXT star Joe Hendry in a Miracle on 34th Street Fight.

Miz continued his passionate monologue, claiming he was a gateway to professional wrestling and a critical locker room leader. He even suggested forming a potential team called "Miz-KO" with Orton, positioning them as collective faces of WWE.

Instead of verbal response, Orton chose action - striking Miz with a signature RKO that sent the crowd into a frenzy. The Buffalo audience immediately began chanting "One more time!", seemingly sensing more drama was coming.

True to the crowd's wishes, Orton hoisted Miz up again, delivering a second RKO while wishing him a pointed "Happy New Year" - a memorable punctuation to his dramatic return that solidified his status as 'The Viper'.

The segment encapsulated Orton's legendary ability to turn unexpected moments into unforgettable wrestling theater, reminding fans why he remains one of WWE's most electrifying performers.