“Worst possible opponent”- Wrestling fans disappointed after Randy Orton’s WrestleMania opponent is seemingly revealed on SmackDown

Former Bloodline member potentially set to be Randy Orton's opponent at WrestleMania after a rugged interaction on SmackDown.

“Worst possible opponent”- Wrestling fans disappointed after Randy Orton’s WrestleMania opponent is seemingly revealed on SmackDown

Randy Orton on SmackDown (via WWE)

Since Kevin Owens announced his injury last week and confirmed he won’t be competing at WrestleMania, fans have been buzzing about Randy Orton’s status. Originally set to face KO, The Viper was left without an opponent—until last night on SmackDown. WWE revealed Orton’s new challenger, and it turned out to be none other than Solo Sikoa.

The Street Champion stepped up last night on SmackDown, confronting The Apex Predator and teasing a showdown at WrestleMania. Orton didn’t back down and challenged Solo Sikoa to a match later that night. But before things could escalate, Tama Tonga and Solo tried to ambush Orton—only for LA Knight to rush in and even the odds.

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Later in the night, Orton and LA Knight teamed up to take on Sikoa and Tonga in a tag team match. During the bout, Orton and Sikoa brawled into the crowd, teasing rising tensions between the two. The intense face-off strongly hinted that WWE could be building toward a WrestleMania 41 clash between The Apex Predator and The Street Champion.

There’s been plenty of history between Orton and Sikoa over the past year. The former Bloodline member became a thorn in The Viper’s side last summer, costing him multiple matches on SmackDown. Whether WWE officially locks in this showdown for WrestleMania or has bigger plans in mind remains to be seen.

WWE Universe reacts to WWE teasing Solo Sikoa as Randy Orton’s WrestleMania opponent

The WWE Universe seems a bit frustrated with how things are shaping up for Randy Orton. Fans have criticized Solo Sikoa for being off TV for months and now suddenly stepping into the WrestleMania spotlight. Many were hoping for a bigger name to face The Viper on the Grandest Stage of Them All, with some feeling that Triple H has once again missed the mark.

Randy Orton and Solo Sikoa
Randy Orton and Solo Sikoa (via WWE)

Moreover, fans spammed the comment section by asking for Orton vs. Nick Aldis instead of this bummer clash. From a wide spectrum of views, here are the top reactions of the fans on X:

Furthermore, fans felt the opportunity should’ve gone to rising stars like Carmelo Hayes, Andrade, or even someone from SmackDown’s active roster, rather than giving such a major spot to The Street Champion. Many believe it’s a missed opportunity and wasted potential. With the backlash growing, only time will tell what WWE has planned for WrestleMania.

Who could be better opponents for Randy Orton than Solo Sikoa?

Randy Orton is one of the most decorated WWE superstars of all time. His presence alone can elevate any storyline, which is exactly what fans hoped for after Kevin Owens’ exit from SmackDown. However, WWE seems a bit lost in finding the right opponent for The Viper at WrestleMania, despite having plenty of talented stars available.

Randy Orton
Randy Orton (via WWE)

WWE teased some brewing tension between Randy Orton and Nick Aldis last week on SmackDown, when Orton hit the GM with an RKO after learning he had no WrestleMania opponent. It was a promising angle that could’ve even led to Aldis making his in-ring WWE debut. But while WWE did follow up on the moment, they failed to take the story to the next level.

Additionally, reports suggest that stars like Rusev and Malakai Black are close to re-signing with WWE. Either of them could be used as a surprise opponent for The Legend Killer, making Orton’s WrestleMania match feel more important and impactful.

Related: 12-time Champion lashes out at WWE botching the advertisement of his WrestleMania 41 title match