Five creative directions for Randy Orton ahead of WWE WrestleMania 42

Randy Orton could have some interesting storylines after returning to WWE.

The first episode of WWE SmackDown of 2026 kicked off on a high note with the return of WWE’s Apex Predator, Randy Orton. He came out and just delivered an RKO to make a statement without saying a word. Moreover, this was Orton’s first appearance in months after taking a hiatus.

With the 14-time WWE World Champion back in the mix at the dawn of the road to WrestleMania 42, here are five directions for Randy Orton:

5. Feud with The Miz

On his very first night back in WWE after months, Randy Orton interrupted The Miz, who was lashing out at the WWE Universe with his grievances. The Viper took him out with an RKO outta nowhere. This could mark the start of a short yet interesting feud on the road to WrestleMania 42.

Also Read: Top five dream feuds WWE should book if Chris Jericho returns in 2026

4. US title championship feud

Carmelo Hayes got his big moment on the final SmackDown of 2025 by winning the WWE United States Championship and successfully defending it against Johnny Gargano on the first show of 2026.

However, his momentum might run into a WWE legend like Randy Orton, a feud that could take his career to the next level in the company.

3. Tag team

One of the most interesting runs in Randy Orton’s career was his alliance with Matt Riddle, who popularly came to be known as RK-Bro. WWE could recreate the same scenario now that Orton has returned by aligning another rising talent with him and creating a new tag team in the SmackDown division.

2. Revealed as Jacob Fatu’s attacker

It can be arguably said that heel Randy Orton was an attraction for WWE television programming for years. WWE could bring him back by revealing The Viper to be Jacob Fatu’s mystery attacker from months ago.

This could see the Samoan Werewolf return and confront Orton to benefit from a feud with the most dangerous version of Orton.

1. Feud with Cody Rhodes

Right after Randy Orton took out The Miz on SmackDown, he met backstage with his former pupil, Cody Rhodes. The Viper made it clear that once Rhodes was done with Drew McIntyre, he would be coming for his Undisputed WWE title, which could be a major feud heading into WrestleMania season.

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