Former WWE Champion Volunteers to Replace Kevin Owens Against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41
Karrion Kross publicly expresses interest in replacing injured Kevin Owens as Randy Orton’s WrestleMania 41 opponent.
A last-minute opportunity has emerged for competition at WrestleMania 41 following an unexpected injury, with a former champion publicly throwing his name into consideration. The situation developed after Kevin Owens was forced to withdraw from his scheduled match against Randy Orton due to requiring immediate neck surgery.
Karrion Kross addressed the speculation directly through social media, acknowledging fan suggestions about him potentially stepping in as Orton’s opponent. In his message posted on X, Kross stated:
I just want everyone to know that I see the markings. And you know I would say yes. Let’s see what happens.
The vacancy in the WrestleMania card emerged suddenly when Owens revealed his injury status on SmackDown. Following this announcement, Orton delivered his RKO finishing move to SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, potentially signaling a new direction for his WrestleMania program with just two weeks remaining before the premium live event.
Any potential match would require some logistical adjustments as Kross currently performs on the Raw brand. He’s presently involved in the ongoing rivalry between AJ Styles and Logan Paul, serving in a supporting role within that storyline. WWE would need to make brand exceptions to facilitate this cross-brand matchup.
WWE officials have not yet announced their plans for Orton’s WrestleMania participation, leaving fans to speculate whether Kross’s public interest might lead to this first-time-ever match materializing on wrestling’s grandest stage.
Just letting you all know that I see the tags.
— Kevin Robert Kesar (@realKILLERkross) April 5, 2025
And you know I’d say yes.
Let’s see what happens.
⏳ pic.twitter.com/Sw20MTTu2T
