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.