Randy Orton vs. Nick Aldis at WWE WrestleMania 41?
Randy Orton attacks SmackDown GM Nick Aldis after learning Kevin Owens is injured, potentially setting up a WrestleMania 41 match.
Randy Orton’s WrestleMania 41 plans took an unexpected turn following Kevin Owens’ injury announcement on SmackDown. With his original opponent sidelined, Orton’s frustration manifested in a shocking attack on SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, potentially laying groundwork for a replacement match.
The situation unfolded after Aldis informed Orton that Owens would be unavailable due to a neck injury requiring surgery, with no definitive timeline for return. Visibly upset at the prospect of missing WWE’s flagship event, Orton responded by delivering his RKO finishing move to the SmackDown authority figure.
This marks the second physical confrontation between Orton and Aldis. In 2023, Orton attacked the GM and received a $50,000 fine, which he notably paid double, claiming the additional amount covered “the next time” – a foreshadowing that apparently materialized during the recent SmackDown segment.
Despite functioning solely as an authority figure since joining WWE, Aldis maintains impressive physical condition and possesses considerable in-ring experience, having not competed in 18 months. The attack creates a convenient narrative solution for WWE’s creative team to replace the scheduled Owens match.
While WWE has yet to officially announce any replacement bout, the segment appears deliberately structured to establish tension between Orton and Aldis. The timing suggests WWE is positioning this confrontation as a potential solution to maintain Orton’s presence on the WrestleMania card, while simultaneously elevating the SmackDown GM’s role beyond administrative duties.
