Unstoppable tag team to form, heartbreaking betrayal? - 4 ways Randy Orton could return to WWE SmackDown
WWE has a lot of stars currently who are away from the promotion or at least off of television. Seth Rollins, Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, Charlotte Flair, Asuka, R-Truth, and Dakota Kai are just some of the names either injured or written off of television for an unclear amount of time.
Another star who has been away, at least briefly, is Randy Orton. The Viper last competed at Bash in Berlin 2024, where he challenged Monday Night RAW's Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship in what turned out to be an epic match.
The rule of the challenge stated that if Orton defeated The Ring General, he would move to Monday Night RAW full-time. The Viper lost, however, which presumably means that the 14-time World Champion will remain a part of the Friday Night SmackDown roster.
This article will take a look at a handful of ways Orton could return to SmackDown after being away from television since Bash in Berlin 2024 and being away from the blue brand for several weeks more than that.
Below are four ways Randy Orton could return to WWE SmackDown.
#4. He could be Kevin Owens' partner on WWE SmackDown next week
Kevin Owens has had issues with Austin Theory and Grayson Waller frequently on WWE television. It seems as if A-Town Down Under always chooses to run their mouths and they typically pay for it.
This happened on WWE SmackDown this past week when Kevin Owens defeated both men in a Triple Threat Match. A-Town Down Under got the last laugh, however, as Austin Theory and Grayson Waller jumped Kevin Owens post-match.
Now a challenge has been made for Owens to find a partner and take them on next week. Given that The Prizefighter and Randy Orton have been regularly teaming up this year, it only makes sense that The Viper would return as the mystery man in the bout. From there, R-KO could win another match over the cocky stars.
#3. Randy Orton could chase LA Knight's United States Championship
LA Knight is an absurdly popular WWE star who has risen from the bottom of the card to a part-time main eventer. During his journey, Knight recently managed to capture the United States Championship after defeating Logan Paul at SummerSlam.
The Megastar has his hands full on Friday Night SmackDown. Carmelo Hayes has made it clear that he wants the United States Championship, but so has Andrade. Knight may have two challengers to turn away soon.
Still, that might not be the end of the line in terms of those looking to step up to the 41-year-old star. Orton could very well want to win the gold. If that is indeed the case, Randy is unlikely to simply sit back and wait and will instead skip to the head of the line to get a title opportunity.
#2. He could break everybody's hearts and attack Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is currently on top of the wrestling world. He is the Undisputed WWE Champion and has been since WrestleMania XL. The American Nightmare is set to defend his prized title on SmackDown next week in a Steel Cage Match against Solo Sikoa, but he may soon have a storyline with Randy Orton.
Notably, Rhodes and The Viper have a long friendship in WWE. Cody's early days in the Stamford-based promotion were with Randy and they even worked alongside each other in The Legacy. They have been firmly established as close friends on television for almost a year now too.
Fans have long been expecting for The Legend Killer to turn heel against Cody in an attempt to get the world title. Now that Randy is likely returning to the blue brand soon, he can do exactly that. From there, The Viper might win his 15th World Championship in the company.
#1. Randy could form a super team with AJ Styles
Randy Orton has had several memorable tag teams throughout his WWE career. For example, he was part of Rated-RKO with Edge, now known as Adam Copeland, and they had a dynamic run as a tag team. The Viper and Matt Riddle, known together as RK-Bro, were also fantastic.
Orton's most recent pairing, as noted, has been that of R-KO alongside Kevin Owens. There is a chance, however, that The Apex Predator could return as part of a new team. He might be united with former WWE Champion AJ Styles.
The Phenomenal One has been absent from television for a few months now, but most people expect him to return any time. The two legendary veterans could form a super team, perhaps known as RK-AJ or The Phenomenal Vipers, and attempt to take over the tag team scene. The two stars united just might be unstoppable.