Randy Orton could turn heel and end 3-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion's career, says veteran
Randy Orton is among the most legendary heels in the business. Former WWE manager Dutch Mantell recently tipped The Viper to turn heel and retire 16-time World Champion, John Cena.
The Cenation Leader recently returned to WWE to announce his retirement tour that will culminate at the end of 2025. The 47-year-old stalwart has revealed tentative plans to work 30 to 40 dates before bringing the curtain down on his illustrious in-ring career.
As of this writing, there's no word on who will be his final opponent during the farewell tour. But several WWE Superstars like CM Punk and Baron Corbin have expressed their desire to get in the ring with John Cena one last time.
Speaking on the Story Time podcast, Dutch Mantell pitched the idea of Randy Orton turning heel and facing his frenemy, John Cena.
"Oh, I would have him win...I think an opponent out of his past - Randy Orton. See and Orton could go out there and I'd love Orton to turn heel or say, 'Hey, I'm about sick and tired of this damn retirement crap,'" Mantell said. (24:10 - 24:37)
Randy Orton wants to face John Cena at WrestleMania
Randy Orton and John Cena share a rich history in WWE. The two men slugged it out countless times during their heyday but haven't had the opportunity to share the ring in a singles match at WrestleMania.
Speaking on The Bump, The Apex Predator said he would like to win his 15th World Championship and defend it against The Cenation Leader at The Show of Shows:
"So, making it fifteen, making it sixteen, like, ofcourse, I would love for that to happen. It doesn't keep me up at night, dreaming of that next title shot, because I think I know that it's in the cards. I feel healthy enough, I feel like I've got plenty of time left in my career to where I'm going to come back around, and I'm going to be wearing that title at least one or two more times. A dream match for me would be to somehow find myself in a situation where I'm fighting Cena, at WrestleMania, for the title."
Cena and Orton may be well past their primes, but the two men can give their fans a slice of nostalgia and end their storied rivalry on the Grandest Stage Of Them All.
Interestingly, The Viper is currently the favorite to face the 16-time World Champion in Las Vegas next year.
If you use quotes from this article, please credit the Story Time with Dutch Mantell podcast and give an H/T to Sportskeeda Wrestling for transcription.