Following his loss in a triple-threat match for the United States Championship at WrestleMania 40 against Logan Paul and Kevin Owens, fans are curious to know who Randy Orton will set his sights on next as ‘The Viper’.
Despite not participating in the first SmackDown after WrestleMania 40, it is anticipated that Orton will make his return before the WWE Draft. With the 44-year-old’s potential involvement in multiple developing storylines, he could have a significant impact leading up to Backlash France on May 4.
The WWE’s 18th Grand Slam winner achieved this rare accomplishment by initially winning the Intercontinental Championship in 2004 and most recently, the United States Championship in 2018, with several world title reigns in between.
Despite never holding the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship, Orton has proven himself to be a formidable contender. With a perfect 7-0 record in singles matches since his return to the WWE in November of last year, it is clear that he is still capable of challenging top competitors like Cody Rhodes. The company may choose to set up a match between the two later in the year.
As ‘The Viper’ continues to make a strong case for a world title shot in 2024, who else could potentially be on the radar? Let’s consider some intriguing choices for the WWE matchmakers.
Table of Contents
- A feud with AJ Styles or LA Knight makes sense
- A battle of WWE veterans could be on tap
- Santos Escobar is a sleeper option for Orton
- Is there a possibility that Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes will have a fight?
A feud with AJ Styles or LA Knight makes sense
Having successfully defeated Grayson Waller, Austin Theory, Sami Zayn, Solo Sikoa, Jimmy Uso, and Dominik Mysterio upon his return from a back injury that almost ended his career, Orton is now ready to take on a new opponent.
Within the past two years, he has only participated in a single world title match, which was a Fatal 4-Way Championship match against Roman Reigns, who was then the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. This match also included two other contenders, AJ Styles and LA Knight, at the 2024 Royal Rumble.
Styles and Knight are scheduled to face off this Friday, April 19, in a match to determine the top contender for Rhodes’ championship title. If either of them were to lose, Orton would make for a perfect opponent as he climbs his way up the rankings.
THIS FRIDAY on #SmackDownIt’s all on the line between @AJStylesOrg & @RealLAKnight in a #WrestleMania rematch … PLUS @itsBayleyWWE defends the WWE Women’s Championship against Naomi! pic.twitter.com/QpaIJpZYiv
— WWE (@WWE) April 16, 2024
A Battle of WWE Veterans Could Be on Tap
A formidable adversary for Orton in the upcoming SmackDown could be Bobby Lashley, a well-known and powerful wrestler who is on par with ‘The Viper’ for a possible shot at the title.
The two experienced professional wrestlers would deliver an exhilarating match for the spectators, as Lashley’s immense strength complements Orton’s technical skills in the ring.
Lashley, a former United States Champion, has a recent record of 5-1 against top fighters. His only defeat was on April 12 during the first SmackDown after WrestleMania 40, where he lost to LA Knight.
A potential rivalry between these two long-standing superstars on the WWE roster could potentially propel either one towards a final shot at the world championship as they near the end of their careers.
Santos Escobar is a sleeper option
In addition to Lashley, the 44-year-old may also face Santos Escobar. The Mexican wrestler’s most recent singles victory was against Rey Mysterio on the March 22 episode of SmackDown.
Escobar’s preference is to use his kicking technique against opponents, which effectively counters the lethal RKO finisher. In terms of style, the two fighters are complete opposites.
Orton is well-known for his natural talent in the ring, while Escobar possesses a range of moves that could potentially disrupt the 22-year veteran’s aggressive style of fighting.
Despite not yet facing each other in the squared circle, Orton sees Escobar as a prime target. Conversely, a victory against a seasoned veteran could also propel Escobar up the ranks.
Will Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have a match?
Although it may require some patience, Orton could potentially face off against Cody Rhodes later this year. The two men have a tumultuous past that dates back almost twenty years.
Rhodes first entered the WWE world as a member of The Legacy, alongside Orton. This decision to go against their previous alliance would align with the tougher and more aggressive approach that the company has adopted in recent times.
Rhodes’ reign as the WWE Universal Champion is still in its early stages. While he may not surpass the title records set by his predecessor Roman Reigns, the third-generation wrestler will have to overcome a significant obstacle if the WWE decides to pit him against Orton.
The anticipation generated by any promotions would have a significant impact on the lead-up to the fight, while the skill of each wrestler in the ring would result in a potentially legendary match.
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