Felix Upton on April 17, 2025
Randy Orton won’t be stepping into the ring with Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 41—and he’s not happy about it.
As revealed during the April 4th, 2025 edition of WWE SmackDown, the originally planned match between Orton and Owens is officially off the table. Owens is undergoing neck surgery, ruling him out of action and leaving Orton without a confirmed spot just days before WWE’s biggest event of the year in Las Vegas.
The Viper isn’t sitting quietly. In a video released by WWE, Orton addressed the situation directly: “I’m going to find out on SmackDown Friday. At least I better find out or Nick Aldis is eating yet another RKO, which I will pay the fine happily.” He continued, “But honestly, I have no idea what’s going on. But I have my gear. I got my boots. I’ll be all warmed up in that ring, and I’m calling somebody out. I got to do something. I got to give the fans here in Vegas an RKO at WrestleMania. I got to. It’s number 20. What the hell, right? Wish me luck.”
Orton was already vocal about wanting a moment at WrestleMania 41, telling Complex, “It would be a shame if I wasn’t somehow put in a position where I can at least hit an RKO at WrestleMania.”
The match cancellation is a tough blow for both Orton and Owens. “My heart breaks for Kevin,” Orton said in his Complex interview, showing respect for his longtime partner amid the unexpected change in plans.
Despite not having a match locked in, Orton made a clear statement on SmackDown by dropping GM Nick Aldis with an RKO—a move fans took as a warning: don’t count him out.
WrestleMania 41 kicks off this weekend at Allegiant Stadium, and while Orton’s role remains unclear, one thing’s for sure—he’s not leaving Vegas without someone eating an RKO.
Should WWE give Randy Orton a last-minute opponent? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
April 17, 2025 5:41 pm
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