Randy Orton to announce he is leaving WWE; Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa scrapped? - 5 things The Viper can do on his return to SmackDown
Bash in Berlin Premium Live Event was a sure success with Randy Orton and Gunther battling it out for the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event. The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will feature the fallout from the event in Berlin, Germany.
Randy Orton proved that he still got it in the main event of Bash in Berlin 2024 when he competed against Gunther in a hard-hitting match. The two stole the show at the Uber Arena. As of now, the storyline appears to be over, and this week's WWE SmackDown will address the future.
For fans wondering what The Viper could do after suffering a loss at a big event, we have got five interesting speculations here.
#5. Randy Orton temporarily leaves WWE
Several stars in recent memory decided to take time off after winding up a big rivalry. Becky Lynch is the prime example as she has not returned since settling her feud with Liv Morgan. There is a high chance Randy Orton could do the same.
The 14-time World Champion has remained active since returning to the company at the Survivor Series: WarGames 2023 Premium Live Event. If there is no clear direction for him moving forward, it would make sense for Orton to appear on WWE SmackDown to announce a temporary hiatus. He could return later when a major feud is planned for him.
#4. Starts a feud with Kevin Owens
Bash in Berlin 2024 featured a thrilling bout between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship where the company teased a potential heel turn from The Prizefighter. While it did not happen in Berlin, Germany, it could happen on SmackDown this week.
Randy Orton could confront Kevin Owens in the ring to share empathy as both stars lost their world title matches at the recent premium live event. However, Owens could go berserk and attack his former ally. This confrontation could lead to a big-time match at Bad Blood 2024.
#3. Open Challenge
This could be an interesting way of building a new rivalry from scratch for Randy Orton. As The Legend Killer has no direction for now, he could announce an open challenge for anyone on the roster who wants a piece of a veteran like him on WWE SmackDown.
Someone like Austin Theory could answer the challenge and deliver a great match on the blue brand, helping him win over the audience and leading to an inevitable rivalry with Grayson Waller. This way, fans could witness a memorable battle and the company could build a major feud for an upcoming premium live event.
#2. Turns heel and attacks Nick Aldis on WWE SmackDown
Fans have been awaiting a heel turn from Randy Orton for several years, but it has not happened yet. The upcoming episode of SmackDown could finally meet the anticipation.
Frustrated with his loss at Bash in Berlin 2024, Orton could confront General Manager Nick Aldis. The Viper could blame Aldis for sending him to face Gunther when he was not prepared. He could also land an RKO out of nowhere and use the extra $50,000 fine he paid to Nick last year. This could lead to the return of the most sadistic version of Randy Orton, something fans have wanted to see for a very long time.
#1. Turns heel against Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton turning heel to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship is one of the most anticipated storylines since The American Nightmare became the top champion at WrestleMania XL.
The two have a storied history which could be used to build up a highly personal battle for Bad Blood 2024. Cody awarded a title shot to Kevin Owens, and he could do something similar to Randy. However, rather than accepting the opportunity, Orton could unleash his dark side and brutally assault the Undisputed WWE Champion. This may scrap Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa, which appears to be planned for Bad Blood 2024.