3 reasons why Randy Orton must return and help 9-time champion on WWE SmackDown's Season Premiere
Randy Orton has not made a single appearance on WWE programming since the Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event. This has led to disappointment among many fans, as The Viper is a beloved figure, and he was constantly featured on television before the PLE.
Regardless of what the reason for Orton's absence is, it would make sense for him to return to TV on the upcoming season premiere of SmackDown on the USA Network and help nine-time champion Kevin Owens. The Prizefighter is a one-time Universal Champion, a three-time US Champion, a two-time Intercontinental Champion, a two-time Tag Team Champion, and a one-time NXT Champion.
On this week's episode of the blue brand, Owens will be teaming up with a mystery partner to face Grayson Waller and Austin Theory.
In this article, we will look at three reasons why Randy Orton must be Kevin Owens' mystery partner on this week's SmackDown:
#3. Randy Orton does not have anything major to pursue
At Bash in Berlin 2024, Orton challenged Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship. While The Apex Predator gave it his all, he was unsuccessful in beating The Ring General. If one analyzes the scenario after this defeat, it would be safe to say Randy has nothing left to pursue as of now.
The Viper can't go after Cody Rhodes' Undisputed WWE Championship due to the relationship between the two stars. Nor can he challenge LA Knight for the United States title since it would be a babyface vs. babyface scenario. Hence, it would make sense for him to team up with Kevin Owens when he returns.
#2. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens could pursue the Tag Team Championship
If Randy Orton and Kevin Owens team up to face A-Town Down Under and are successful in beating them, then they would make a strong case to team up on a long-term basis and go after the WWE Tag Team Championship, which is currently held by The Bloodline.
It's also worth noting that The Apex Predator and The Prizefighter have successfully teamed up on past occasions.
Also, since the WWE Tag Team Championship is held by the duo's arch-nemesis The Bloodline, it would make sense for Orton and Owens to go after the title. If Orton can't win a World Championship currently, it won't hurt winning tag team gold.
#1. Kevin Owens never turned his back on Randy Orton
After Kevin Owens lost to Cody Rhodes at Bash in Berlin, many thought he would turn his back on The American Nightmare. But KO did not do anything like that, which led many to believe that Rhodes was the only one Owens did not betray. However, that's not the case.
Apart from the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, Orton is another star Kevin has not betrayed. This shows that The Prizefighter does respect The Viper, and the best way The Apex Predator could reciprocate is by helping Owens get past A-Town Down Under on SmackDown's Season Premiere this Friday.