Randy Orton's WWE Return: Potential Rivalries to Watch

Randy Orton's Anticipated Comeback

Randy Orton's return to WWE is poised to create significant excitement. As he re-enters the blue brand, several potential rivalries could emerge, including confrontations with Cody Rhodes, Gunther, Nick Aldis, and Jacob Fatu.

Cody Rhodes: A Rivalry Rekindled

One of the most logical rivalries for Orton is with Cody Rhodes. At WrestleMania 42, Orton narrowly missed capturing his 15th world title and subsequently attacked Rhodes, causing a serious orbital injury.

Originally, WWE had planned a tag team match featuring Jelly Roll, Cody Rhodes, Orton, and Pat McAfee, but the departure of McAfee led to the cancellation of those plans. With Orton's return, the storyline can be revived.

As Rhodes prepares for his upcoming match against Gunther in Italy, Orton could seize the moment to remind Rhodes that their conflict is far from resolved. Their previous encounters were marred by interference, and Orton's comeback could reignite the demand for a rematch.

Gunther: A New Challenge

Gunther's recent transition to SmackDown, facilitated by Paul Heyman, has positioned him as a key player in the title race. Over the past year, he has achieved significant victories, including defeating Goldberg, AJ Styles, and John Cena.

His unexpected attack on Rhodes has thrust him into the championship spotlight. For Orton, Gunther's rapid ascent is a direct challenge, and WWE could leverage this as a short-term feud before returning to the Rhodes storyline.

Their shared history adds depth to this potential rivalry: Gunther previously defeated Orton in the King of the Ring tournament and at Bash in Berlin 2024, where they shook hands in a show of respect. This respect could easily evolve into a fierce competition.

Nick Aldis: A Tense Relationship

The animosity between Randy Orton and SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis dates back to late 2023. Upon signing with the blue brand, Orton immediately attacked Aldis with an RKO, prompting Aldis to impose a $50,000 fine, which Orton humorously doubled with a remark about the extra cash being 'for next time.'

Orton has since continued to target Aldis in chaotic segments. With Aldis now responsible for signing Gunther and arranging a world title match against Rhodes, Orton's return could be marked by vengeance. Aldis, a former world champion, could find himself back in the ring against The Viper.

Jacob Fatu: A New Direction

Another intriguing possibility involves Jacob Fatu. Reports indicate that Orton may be revealed as the mystery assailant behind Fatu's recent storyline injury. Fatu has been making waves on RAW, openly rejecting Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief following his loss at Backlash.

His aggressive approach has put him at odds with the Bloodline, establishing him as one of WWE's most formidable talents. If Orton is unveiled as the attacker, it would set the stage for an exciting cross-brand feud, pitting Fatu's physical prowess against Orton's cunning, providing a fresh narrative beyond the ongoing rivalry with Cody Rhodes.