Update: Randy Orton ended up appearing near the close of the show doing a run in during the main event. So the announcement was a way to have fun with the fans.
It was announced at the beginning of tonight’s 12/27 WWE live event in Uniondale, New York (Long Island) that Randy Orton would not be appearing. Orton made his return to WWE at a live event on Friday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City against Kane. Mike Johnson is reporting that Orton was backstage today prior to the start of the event.
Source: PWInsider.com