By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

Randy Orton. What does WWE do with him? After solidifying himself a Top 3 babyface and a dependable top star after years of trouble-making, Orton violated the Wellness Policy for the second time last week, which created questions about his future in WWE.

Rey Mysterio also has two strikes, but Orton is still in his prime, while Mysterio is exiting his prime and recovering from his latest major injury.

According to SuperLuchas.net, Orton was dinged for use of steroids and also subject to a $2,500 fine for marijuana use. WWE management was obviously not pleased and reportedly had a heated discussion with Orton over his disappointing Wellness failure.

Once things cool off and Orton's two-month suspension begins to sink in, what will WWE and Orton decide? WWE can't depend on him to be a main-event player because one more Wellness violation means he's gone from WWE, but WWE is paying too much for him to be a mid-carder for the rest of his career.

Does WWE make a drastic decision to cut ties with Orton and risk him finally being the game-changer for TNA that the company has sought for ten years? Or, do they continue with Orton as a top star and cross the bridge of having to replace Orton when they get there if Orton gets a third strike?

The one blessing in disguise is WWE smacked in the face with the long over-due need to develop new top stars. Over the past seven years, the short-term answer and long-term failure has been bringing Vince McMahon back to television after WrestleMania. It's delayed the process of building a crop of top stars to rotate in TV, house show, and PPV headline matches, and created a situation where - yet again - McMahon is returning to TV to "make the save" next Monday on Raw.

But, as for Orton, WWE has to make a big decision on a top star. Cut ties and hope there isn't blowback? Or, see how far they can go with Orton while trying to ignore the possibility of a third strike? It's a big decision that potentially carries ramifications beyond WWE.

We suggest these recent related articles...

CALDWELL'S WWE "NXT: HOUSTON" LIVE RESULTS 9/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Balor, Joe, Bayley, more from debut show in Texas

CALDWELL'S LIVE REPORT - 7/12 Lone Star in Houston, Tex.: Alberto El Patron no-shows, Dreamer vs. Hoyt new main event; plus Duggan, Snitsky, Cabana vs. Mahal, Joey Ryan, Rowe vs. Hernandez, Ivellise, Catrina, Houston Carson, one title change, more

CALDWELL: A Top 10 for 10 Years - Hall of Fame, George, Sweet Tea, Studio B, Duke, Three-Pack, and you!