The wrestling world was hit with some upsetting news as Kevin Owens revealed that he’s getting neck surgery. The situation not only forces him out of WrestleMania 41, but out of action for an unknown amount of time. That moment sets the stage for Randy Orton to hopefully face a surprise returning opponent at WrestleMania 41.
On the April 4 episode of WWE SmackDown, Owens made his announcement. Leaving Randy Orton in the ring with General Manager, Nick Aldis. Aldis informed Orton that he no longer has a match at WrestleMania, in which the former champion responded with an RKO to Aldis.
Randy Orton and Nick Aldis have a story to tell
With two more episodes before WrestleMania, the story should become Aldis looking to “punish” Orton for his actions. That punishment would involve Orton having to take on a surprise opponent at Mania. That opponent would be someone that Orton is familiar with. None other than Rusev.
Reports came out this week that Rusev was seen at WWE Headquarters and has re-signed with the company. This comes after his time in All Elite Wrestling shocking came to an end months earlier. While there are no reported plans for his re-introduction to the WWE Universe, Owens’s unfortunate injury opens this door.
Rusev and Orton were involved in angles against each other back in 2017 and 2018. According to Cagematch, Orton and Rusev competed against each other in 20 singles matches, including house shows. Orton dominates the win-loss record, defeating Rusev in 19 of those contests. Playing off that history, Orton would be surprised to see Rusev back in the company and as his opponent at WrestleMania 41. This step would also slot Rusev into an important angle right out of the gate.
As of this writing, it looks like Randy Orton is officially off the WrestleMania 41 show. However, there’s a story to tell that would open the door to bring Rusev back into the fold and get him into a hot feud immediately.