4 things we learned from Randy Orton and Triple H segment on WWE SmackDown
The latest episode of WWE SmackDown opened with a bang when Randy Orton confronted Triple H. The Legend Killer called out The Game and demanded a match against Kevin Owens at Crown Jewel 2024.
However, things took an unexpected turn when The King of Kings initially refused to grant the Viper’s request but later officially approved the match.
In this article, we will discuss four key things we learned from the Triple H and Randy Orton segment on Friday Night SmackDown.
#4. Triple H was protecting Randy Orton, not Kevin Owens
One major takeaway is that by initially holding off on the Kevin Owens vs. Orton match, Triple H appeared to be protecting his former Evolution member rather than The Prizefighter. As soon as Triple H stepped into the ring, Randy began targeting the Chief Content Officer, claiming he favored KO but still demanded the match.
This escalated when The Cerebral Assassin revealed that he was actually protecting Randy Orton from Kevin Owens, explaining that Owens is not the same person he once was.
This suggests that WWE could be planning a drastic character change for Kevin when he next appears in the Stamford-based promotion.
#3. WWE is now accounting for superstars' injuries on television
The King of Kings emphasized that The Viper has been sidelined for the past eighteen months and now has two metal rods in his back. This is why Triple H is reluctant to risk Randy being injured again, potentially permanently, by putting him in a match against Kevin Owens.
Mentioning Orton's injuries seems to reflect a new approach by WWE, showing more concern about the injuries superstars have sustained. A similar approach was seen when Adam Pearce made the Bronson Reed vs. Seth Rollins match official for Crown Jewel.
The RAW General Manager advised The Visionary to exercise extra caution due to his previous injury record. In the coming months, we may see more segments like this, where superstars’ past injury records are considered before high-profile matches.
#2. Triple H already had a conversation with Kevin Owens
During this segment, WWE also revealed that The Game has already had a conversation with Kevin Owens about everything that has happened on the blue brand. The CCO disclosed that Owens is completely heartbroken, feeling betrayed by the situation. He had actually considered Randy and Cody his friends, but their actions suggested the opposite.
Triple H even advised Randy Orton to stay away from Kevin, as he is deeply disappointed with The Legend Killer, and it was better not to wrestle him at this time.
#1. The Game has already warned Randy Orton for Crown Jewel
Moments before making the match official for Crown Jewel 2024, the Chief Content Officer issued a warning to Randy Orton about what he was asking for. The Game expressed that he hoped everyone knew what they were demanding and then announced Kevin vs. Randy for the Saudi Arabian show.
This prior warning seems to be a major takeaway from the segment, suggesting that something big may happen in this match at Crown Jewel 2024, with serious repercussions for all those involved.