Randy Orton is scheduled to return to WWE soon, and the live event Royal Rumble Premium could be the perfect opportunity for his return. The Viper has been out for two months after an attack by Kevin Owens.
In Royal Rumble, Ko will challenge Cody Rhodes for WWE's undisputed championship in a Ladder Match, and there have already been speculations about Randy Orton's return to interfere in the fight.
As for Cody Rhodes, we analyze three reasons why The Viper should not betray The American Nightmare for now.
#3. It would not make much sense that happened now
Randy Orton returned to WWE in Survivor Series 2023 after spending 18 months out due to a back injury. Since then, it has been Face, and it is expected to continue as Babyface after its return.
At the moment, it would not make much sense that WWE's creative team makes Randy Orton win the Royal Rumble and challenges Cody Rhodes in Wrestlemania 41.
This heel turn must be built from a betrayal, which would allow WWE to develop the story properly. However, this would need time and could happen at some point later in 2025.
#2. There are already 3 great opponents for Cody Rhodes in Wrestlemania 41
If The American Nightmare retains its title in the Royal Rumble, there are already three possible opponents that could challenge him on the most great stage of all.
The first is The Rock, who could become Heel on the way to Wrestlemania and face Cody. The second is Roman Reigns, who has made it clear that he wants to recover his title and that it is only a matter of time before he obtains his revenge against WWE's undisputed champion.
The undisputed tribal chief could win the Royal Rumble and face The American Nightmare for the title in 'Mania. The last is the legendary John Cena, who has started his farewell tour and will compete in Wrestlemania for the last time in his career.
The Cenation leader will seek to become a world champion for a record of 17th time and make history. Many feel that a fight against Cody Rhodes would make sense, since they are the two main babyfaces of the company.
#1. Randy Orton has pending issues with Kevin Owens
When he returns, The Viper will surely have Ko first, who injured him using a forbidden movement, the Piledriver, in Smackdown. The 14 times world champion will seek to take revenge on Kevin Owens, with the most likely stage being that The Viper interferes with the fight for the title between Cody and Ko to help Cody retain his title.
Randy Orton and Ko could extend their rivalry during the next live premium events as elimination chamber on March 1 and put an end with a spectacular fight in Wrestlemania 41.
With this in mind, the Royal Rumble should shed more light on the plans that WWE has for The Viper, unless it makes a surprise appearance in San Antonio this weekend, during the signing of the contract for WWE's undisputed championship in Saturday Night's Main Event.
