Heel turn, brand change - 4 directions for Randy Orton after heartbreaking betrayal on SmackDown
In a surprising turn of events, Randy Orton, renowned for treachery, suffered a heartbreaking betrayal on SmackDown as his Tag Team partner, Kevin Owens, attacked him backstage.
The backstage assault occurred after Orton punched KO during a raucous confrontation earlier in the evening. The Viper recollected himself and wanted to talk to his friend. However, Owens attacked the 14-time World Champion, confirming the team's split.
How will Orton respond? What will The Apex Predator do? Here, we answer these questions by predicting four directions for the future Hall of Famer.
#4. Randy Orton could go after KO as a babyface
KO's backstage assault was the nail in the coffin- a statement that Randy Orton and Kevin Owens were no longer united as friends. Therefore, The Prizefighter's actions don't leave the 14-time World Champion with much choice.
Orton would want revenge. He tried talking sense to his former friend, but his good intentions backfired. In a sense, Owens made a fool of the Viper. Hence, armageddon could be upon the former Universal Champion.
Triple H could keep Orton off TV for a few weeks to sell the betrayal and backstage assault. The extra time would allow KO to build more heel heat, and The Apex Predator could return for revenge.
#3. The Viper could turn heel
Ironically, Randy Orton was serving as the "voice of reason" on SmackDown, attempting to resolve the dispute between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes, two of his closest friends on TV.
Nonetheless, Orton's efforts were in vain as his friendship with KO disintegrated. Realizing that the new attitude did him no favors, the 14-time World Champion could return to his critically acclaimed 2009 version, where he heard "voices in his head" and committed egregious sins.
Heel Orton also briefly came to the fore on SmackDown as he briefly lost his cool when he punched KO during their argument.
#2. Orton could head to RAW to avoid Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes
After getting caught in the mess between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton could decide to switch brands and embark on a journey where he would not have to face his former friends.
This seems unlikely for Orton's character, who has historically never run away from fight and battled everything with immense courage. However, KO's betrayal and Rhodes' alliance with The Bloodline may present no other option.
Fighting with KO and Rhodes may be a dead-end. It may also be inconvenient as The Viper no longer has any allies. In contrast, RAW would present new opportunities and challenges that would have nothing to do with his former friends.
#1. Randy Orton could completely back Cody Rhodes
Although his friendship with KO may be finished, the same cannot be said for Randy Orton's relationship with Cody Rhodes. A definitive betrayal or indication is yet to be witnessed, and reconciliation could be possible.
With Owens out of the picture as an ally, Orton could decide to devote himself to The American Nightmare in his war against The New Bloodline and KO. Not only would this give The Viper new allies in Roman Reigns and Jimmy Uso, but it would also make room for revenge against KO.
The eventual betrayal could come later once Owens and The Bloodline are out of the picture, leading to the much-anticipated clash between Orton and Rhodes.