Randy Orton currently finds himself without an opponent for the highly anticipated WWE WrestleMania 41. Originally, fans were looking forward to a showdown between Orton and Kevin Owens; however, Owens sustained a serious neck injury requiring surgery, ultimately sidelining him from the event. With WrestleMania weekend just around the corner, The Viper’s participation hangs in the balance.
Since the April 11 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, WWE has been working to amend this situation. In that episode, Orton reignited an ongoing rivalry with Solo Sikoa. Their history and recent altercations make the possibility of a match between Orton and Sikoa appealing, especially considering their past skirmishes.
Watch the Promo HereWatch the Promo Here
WWE Suggested Solo Sikoa as Randy Orton’s Opponent at WrestleMania
A Match Years in the Making
Check It Out HereCheck It Out Here
Randy Orton’s involvement with the Bloodline dates back to 2022 when he and Matt Riddle engaged in a feud with The Usos over the Undisputed Tag Team Championship. Following his interactions with Roman Reigns, which left him injured for 18 months, Orton has re-emerged as a formidable presence against the Bloodline. As of 2024, he has continued to challenge the faction’s status quo, now reportedly preparing to face Solo Sikoa. Yet, initial reactions from fans have been less than enthusiastic.
Fans note that Orton has already faced Sikoa on the January 19, 2024 episode of SmackDown, where he defeated Sikoa in under six minutes. This prior match has left many uninterested in a WrestleMania rematch. Additionally, after spending much of 2024 as SmackDown’s leading antagonist, viewers appear fatigued by Sikoa’s frequent appearances in the title picture.
Why Nick Aldis Would Be a Better Opponent for Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41
Nick Aldis: A Former World Champion and Rising Star in WWE
See the Highlights HereSee the Highlights Here
Interest in the potential matchup between Solo Sikoa and Randy Orton has waned, as many fans are leaning toward the prospect of seeing Orton face SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis instead. This shift in desire can be attributed to a recent confrontation where Orton, after an exchange with Sikoa, took aim at Aldis by referencing his wife, Mickie James, which only intensified the tension.
Before Aldis became the General Manager of SmackDown, he was an accomplished wrestler, known for his reigns as World Champion in TNA and NWA. His accolades include a notable victory over current WWE Champion Cody Rhodes for the NWA Title, enhancing his credibility in the eyes of the wrestling community.
For fans aware of Aldis’ prior accomplishments, a matchup against Orton offers an exciting proposition—not only would it mark Aldis’s debut match in WWE, but it would also help commemorate his wrestling legacy against a future Hall of Famer at such a prestigious event as WrestleMania.