Kevin Owens’s injury left Randy Orton without an opponent for WrestleMania 41. The man once known as the “Legend Killer” may not have too many more on the horizon, so it makes sense why he’s so adamant about having a match this year. Speculation continues to run wild that his opponent will turn out to be none other than SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis.
The segment between Orton and Aldis on the April 11 edition of SmackDown further teased a match at WrestleMania. Orton even went as far as to bring up the name of Aldis’s wife, Mickie James.
Initially, there were thoughts that Rusev would step in as a hired gun for Aldis. Several outlets reported he’d re-signed with WWE and was at the company’s headquarters to discuss his return. That would be an interesting way to re-introduce him to the WWE Universe. As long as he didn’t overstay his welcome as Aldis’s henchman and instead went on his own way.
Nick Aldis needs to defend his honor against Randy Orton
Still, the thought of Aldis returning to in-ring action is even more intriguing. It has been nearly two years since Aldis’s last match, but do not forget how well this man works in the ring. He’s a multiple time champion, including a historic run as the NWA Worlds Heavyweight Champion which lasted 1,043 days. He’s held titles in TNA Wrestling and New Japan Pro Wrestling as well.
At 38 years old, Aldis is still relatively young in professional wrestling years. He’s the same age as many of WWE’s main event players and has a lot of gas in the tank. Would this mean he’d return to being a full-time performer? There are several interesting angles that would await him. Think about Nick Aldis versus Cody Rhodes, harkening back to their 2018 feud over said NWA Worlds Heavyweight Title. There’s a lot of “meat” left on that bone, and several other stories that could be told along the way.
Randy Orton needs an opponent at WrestleMania 41. Who will he get is the big question that needs answering. And the best answer is none other than Nick Aldis.