News

Incoming WWE Star Not Randy Orton’s WrestleMania Opponent

By John Canton • Published 17th April 2025
Randy Orton WWE

The WrestleMania opponent of Randy Orton is likely not going to be a wrestler that recently left another company.

One of the biggest grudg matches that was going to happen at WrestleMania 41 was supposed to be Randy Orton against Kevin Owens, but that’s not happening. Owens suffered a serious neck injury that requires surgery and a long layoff that could lead to Owens missing over a year of in-ring action.

Since the announcement by Owens, Orton has made it clear he still wants a match at WrestleMania 41 because it’s going to be his 20th WrestleMania match and Orton wants to be on the card.

Orton has let his frustrations out on SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, who is a wrestler that has yet to wrestle in WWE. Orton also got into a brawl with Solo Sikoa during a SmackDown tag team match, so he makes sense as a possible opponent.

There are some fans who may think that former NJPW star Jeff Cobb could be Orton’s opponent because Cobb is joining WWE soon after departing NJPW this week.

In the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer confirmed Cobb going to WWE while also reporting that Cobb is likely not Orton’s opponent at WrestleMania.

“Those in WWE have confirmed Cobb starting soon, but the only other thing we were told is that he is not Randy Orton’s opponent at WrestleMania.”

Other possibilities were explored by Meltzer as well, including Sikoa and Aldis.

It could be Solo Sikoa. TV would lead you to believe Nick Aldis. They could throw Omos in there with the idea Aldis is looking for revenge and have Orton RKO him right away. But that feels more like 90s mentality. But to not compromise the Aldis character, Sikoa is the safest bet. Maybe they have a different surprise.

Randy Orton May Call Out His WrestleMania 41 Opponent

The match that Randy Orton is going to have is likely going to be on Sunday night and there is still SmackDown on April 18th, which could be when Orton finds out his WrestleMania opponent.

At WWE World, Orton was filmed at his table in a video posted on the company’s social media channels.

Orton said he was hoping to find out on SmackDown or Nick Aldis is getting another RKO. Orton said he’d pay the fine. Orton said he had no idea what was gong on. Orton said he’ll be in his gear, he’ll call somebody out and he has to call somebody out because he wants to give the fans an RKO at WrestleMania. Orton ended it by mentioning it was his 20th WrestleMania, so he had to be there.