During the latest episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Kevin Owens disclosed a debilitating injury that will prevent him from facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41. This unexpected turn not only halts their long-standing storyline but leaves Randy Orton without a clear path to follow as the event in Las Vegas approaches.
Renowned for his adaptability in the ring, Orton has the potential to pivot quickly and engage with a fresh opponent. With this sudden shift, we explore five compelling contenders who could step into the ring against The Viper at WrestleMania 41.
5 Aleister Black
A Returning Superstar Could Make a Big Impact
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WS_ZgyWGHU
If recent speculation holds water, Aleister Black may be on his way back to WWE following his release from AEW earlier this year. Under the guidance of Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H”Levesque, who played a pivotal role in Black’s previous success in NXT, fans have seen intriguing dark promos on SmackDown, hinting at his return.
Black’s previous “Dark Father”storyline was abruptly cut short when he was released in 2021. A confrontation with Orton would pit two renowned darker personas against each other and could significantly elevate Black’s standing in the heavyweight division, positioning him as a credible threat to champions like Jey Uso or Gunther.
4 Carmelo Hayes
Another Chance to Establish Him as the Next Big Star
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjF4SBmWIwE
Carmelo Hayes shone brightly after his showing at NXT: Stand and Deliver in Philadelphia last year, culminating a strong run with Trick Williams for the NXT Championship. However, he has recently struggled to find his footing on SmackDown, often getting lost in tag team storylines. A renewed rivalry with Orton would provide him a critical opportunity to establish himself and utilize The Miz’s insights to tackle the Viper effectively.
This feud holds tremendous potential for both competitors, with fans anticipating a fierce, hard-hitting encounter that could further enhance Hayes’ career trajectory.
3 Bo Dallas/Uncle Howdy
The Wyatts Share a Rich History with The Viper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIx1pzRO25s
Randy Orton’s relationship with Bray Wyatt has significant history, with their last WrestleMania feud occurring before Wyatt’s release and subsequent passing. Now, Bo Dallas is stepping into the Wyatt legacy, introducing WWE audiences to Uncle Howdy. Although Dallas’s injury has sidelined future storylines, rekindling the feud between Orton and the Wyatt camp could prove compelling.
An Orton vs. Howdy conflict could be a smooth and effective storyline given the existing footage from past encounters. However, Dallas’s health will be a critical factor in determining if this option materializes in Las Vegas.
2 Nick Aldis
The Current GM Deserves an Opportunity to Compete
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPuBgGGMr-0
As SmackDown’s General Manager since 2023, Nick Aldis has yet to debut in a match. His ongoing interactions with Orton, including receiving an RKO after delivering news about Owens’s injury, set the stage for a natural buildup to a WrestleMania confrontation.
With limited time until the event, Aldis could emerge as Orton’s opponent, providing an excellent chance for his official in-ring debut on such a significant stage.
1 Karrion Kross
The Time is Right to Champion This Incredible Talent
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYR1Cvbmx7A
Now is the moment to exploit the immense potential that Karrion Kross offers, proving himself as one of WWE’s most talented but underutilized superstars. With his cerebral and strategic style in the ring, Kross presents a unique challenge to Orton, making for an intriguing narrative that could lead to significant character development for both wrestlers.
Engaging Kross against Orton would allow WWE to create a compelling storyline, setting the stage for Kross’s rise as a premier title contender, particularly as the promotion seeks to line up future attractions for stars like John Cena or Cody Rhodes. There’s no downside to this matchup; Karrion Kross’s time to shine is now.