3 signs Randy Orton will be targeted by 29-year-old SmackDown star at WWE Money in the Bank
WWE Money in the Bank 2024 has all the ingredients to become one of the shows of the year. The show will be airing live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Well over 10,000 fans will be in attendance at the big event.
A Men's Money in the Bank ladder match will be on the show, as Andrade, Chad Gable, Drew McIntyre, Carmelo Hayes, Jey Uso, and LA Knight will all clash. That may not be all fans see from The A-Champion, however.
There is a very real chance that the 29-year old Carmelo Hayes will also make his presence known by targeting Randy Orton at the big Toronto event. Orton is booked for the show, as he'll be teaming up with Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes to battle The Bloodline.
A handful of signs indicate that Hayes and Orton are set to collide more in the future and could begin with Money in the Bank very well. This article will look at some indicators that may lead to both men's next massive rivalry in the Sports Entertainment juggernaut.
Below are three signs Carmelo Hayes will target Randy Orton at WWE Money in the Bank.
#3. Carmelo Hayes got a rare pinfall victory over Orton in WWE
WWE Friday Night SmackDown is a show that blends legends and veterans with the stars of the future. A perfect example is when Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes were involved in a Triple Threat Match to earn entry into the Men's Money in the Bank ladder match.
Thanks to chaos with The Bloodline, Carmelo Hayes was able to roll Randy Orton up, and in a shocking moment, The A-Champion pinned The Viper for a three count. Fans were shocked, and Hayes himself seemed surprised at first.
Orton doesn't get pinned often and is rarely defeated by WWE newcomers, rookies, or recent call-ups. The fact that Hayes picked up a win, albeit via distraction, is massive.
Not only is it a big deal, but it is likely a sign that the two are set to collide more in the future. Orton getting pinned and not seeking any kind of revenge is unlikely. To get to that, however, Hayes will need to stir up more trouble, which will likely happen at Money in the Bank.
#2. He won't stop bragging about his win
Randy Orton may be a relatively cool, calm, and collected personality in 2024, but this wasn't always the case. Long before Orton became a more relaxed veteran, and even prior to him being a short-tempered psychopath, Randy was known for his arrogance.
That is something he and Carmelo Hayes have in common. WWE fans have immediately picked up on The A-Champion's massive ego, which has been blown up to the highest degree following his victory over The Viper.
Carmelo Hayes is taking any chance he can to brag about his win. During the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, he interrupted a conversation between Baron Corbin and Apollo Crews. During the chat, Carmelo bragged about his victory over Orton despite how he won the bout.
Hayes bringing Orton up on television and then being doubted by Apollo and Baron will likely stir up more trouble between The A-Champion and The Viper. As a result, an annoyed Carmelo may try to cost Orton a win against The Bloodline to egg on a rematch. He could then prove he can beat Randy one-on-one. That, of course, is supposing Melo can defeat The Legend Killer.
#1. Hayes keeps mentioning Randy Orton on social media
The final sign that Carmelo Hayes may be targeting Randy Orton and could do so as soon as Money in the Bank comes down to social media. The A-Champion has been using it to brag and arguably even mock Randy Orton following his victory.
For example, Hayes recently claimed a fan gave him a free meal just for beating The Viper. While many doubt the validity of the social media post, it is an example of Melo mentioning the former WWE champion on more than one occasion.
Melo repeatedly referencing Randy Orton on X and Instagram is likely a sign that the two are in for another clash sooner rather than later. Given that Money in the Bank is the next massive premium live event, it could be the perfect time for the two to fight. Don't be shocked if Hayes attacks The Viper this Saturday.