Randy Orton Throws Down Open Challenge for WrestleMania 41 in Fiery SmackDown Speech

Randy Orton isn’t waiting around—he’s calling his shot for WrestleMania 41, with or without a scheduled opponent.

Live on the April 18 episode of WWE SmackDown, the Viper walked to the ring and made it crystal clear that he’s not sitting this one out. “I don’t have an opponent for WrestleMania,” Orton admitted, before sharing that he’s been in Las Vegas all week doing appearances with his wife and soaking in the atmosphere. “There’s an excitement for this year’s WrestleMania like none other.”

Orton got personal with the crowd, reflecting on his family’s history with the event. “My father was in the first WrestleMania… and I debuted at Mania at the Garden twenty years later.” He paused before dropping the real punch: “If I compete this weekend, it will be my twentieth WrestleMania appearance.”

Then came the challenge. “I’m throwing it out to the universe,” Orton said. “I’ll be there on Sunday—boots tied, gear on, the right amount of baby oil on my skin. I’ll be ready to deliver.” Orton said he’s not just doing this for himself, but “for you, for my family, and for the boys in the back.”

With no specific name called, Orton opened the door wide. “If anyone in the back wants to test their mettle, step up. If you own a pair of wrestling boots and want to be my opponent, show up… because I will be there.”

And then came the final warning: “You will fall victim to the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment… R-K-O.”

WrestleMania weekend just got more unpredictable, and the legend of Randy Orton is far from finished.