Top three opponents for Randy Orton at WWE WrestleMania 41 after Kevin Owens' injury

Kevin Owens is dealing with a neck injury and will require surgery!

Earlier today, it was revealed that Kevin Owens has a serious injury that may necessitate surgery and force him to miss his scheduled WrestleMania 41 encounter with Randy Orton.

Kevin Owens’ health was discussed on tonight’s (April 4) edition of SmackDown aired air live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, Illinois, the segment opened with a mysterious introduction by Nick Aldis that implied someone’s career was ended.

Kevin approached the ring wearing a Hart sweatshirt and stated that he has given his everything every time he has gone into the ring for the past 25 years.

But there’s a cost for doing so, and now it’s his time. Owens has been dealing with a major neck ailment for the past four months, which they have now resolved. He needs neck surgery and is not sure when he will be able to return.

Say it ain't so…@FightOwensFight has to back out of #WrestleMania due to a neck injury.#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Drtth3KW2B

— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

Randy Orton appeared at that time, but there was no kayfabe swerve regarding KO’s condition. After Owens departed the arena, Aldis told Randy that he would no longer have a bout at WrestleMania 41. The Viper replied by delivering an RKO to the SmackDown General Manager.

Here are three possible new matchups for Randy Orton at WWE WrestleMania 41 to replace Kevin Owens.

3. Aleister Black

If Kevin Owens is unable to attend WrestleMania, why not pair Randy Orton with one of the experienced free agents that WWE has apparently signed? With vignettes hyping Aleister Black’s return to WWE, he could easily fill in for an Orton feud.

NEW ALEISTER BLACK TEASERDEMON IS HOME 🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐🐐#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/zEvY6FQya7

— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) April 5, 2025

Another alternative is Rusev, who has been said to be returning to WWE and might face Randy. Given their common experience from a former period in WWE, there may be emotional ground to cover to make the plot more engaging.

Also Read: All matches confirmed for WWE WrestleMania 41 so far

2. The Wyatt Sicks

The Wyatt Sicks have yet to appear on WWE TV in 2025. While there have been some whispers that the group may have something planned with Alexa Bliss in the future, this has yet to be confirmed.

This is a great time to remember when Randy Orton murdered Bray Wyatt on live TV pic.twitter.com/RYS2XnDRAD

— Wrestling Pics & Clips (@WrestleClips) December 25, 2022

Given the Wyatt Family’s history with Randy Orton, this may be an ideal chance to reunite the Wyatts while also changing Randy’s intentions. Even if Bliss joins the group, their history suggests that it may work out well.

1. Nick Aldis

During the newest episode of WWE SmackDown, Nick Aldis was in the ring as Kevin Owens broke the terrible news to the WWE Universe about his neck injury and his imminent departure for urgent surgery to repair it. Furthermore, Aldis warned Randy Orton in the ring that KO was not fit to fight at The Show of Shows.

.@RandyOrton is in disbelief and took it out on @RealNickAldis 😱#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/M4a89Oabbv

— WWE (@WWE) April 5, 2025

As a result, Orton will no longer face anyone at WrestleMania 41. However, before the SmackDown GM could say anything further, The Viper RKO’ed him and left him lifeless in the ring. Nick Aldis would be furious with The Viper’s antics on SmackDown. So we should anticipate Nick Aldis to hang up his authoritative boots and enter the ring.

Who do you think should step in the ring in Las Vegas against the Viper? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section.

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