WrestleMania 41: Randy Orton Searches for Opponent Amid Injury Chaos

STAMFORD, Conn. — As WrestleMania 41 approaches, Randy Orton finds himself in a position full of uncertainty. After more than a year of building tension with Kevin Owens leading to a anticipated showdown at the event, Owens was sidelined due to a career-threatening neck injury.

Owens, who attempted to push through the injury, recently learned he would require invasive surgery, rendering his match with Orton impossible. This news came just as Orton made his long-awaited return to WWE programming at the Elimination Chamber Premium Live Event, raising questions about his presence at WrestleMania.

“I haven’t been able to lock down who the opponent is, which is a good thing,” said WWE insider WrestleVotes. “I would say you got Randy Orton, unfortunately, in this to-be-determined type of opponent for WrestleMania.”

Orton’s last singles match at WrestleMania was in 2021 when he defeated The Fiend at WrestleMania 37. He did not compete in WrestleMania 39, returning to the ring for a triple threat match at WrestleMania 40 alongside Owens and Logan Paul. With the show scheduled for this weekend, the WWE has yet to solidify an opponent for Orton.

Speculation has ramped up among fans and insiders about who will face “The Viper.” Recent discussions at a signing event featured former champion Big E being mentioned as a possible opponent. However, Big E quickly dismissed the idea, stating, “Look, I’m not cleared,” as he recovers from a serious neck injury himself.

Despite Big E’s denials, fellow wrestler Tyler Breeze hinted at a surprise comeback. “That’s not what I heard,” Breeze said, suggesting rumors of Big E’s return could be more than just speculation. Big E has been sidelined since March 2022 after suffering a neck injury during a match.

In the months since, he has taken on a non-wrestling role, though his appearances have dwindled. He made his last major on-screen appearance during a December 2024 episode of SmackDown, where he departed from The New Day storyline amidst criticism.

With WrestleMania just days away, the anticipation for Orton’s matchup continues to grow. Observers believe it is highly likely that Orton will wrestle on Sunday, particularly since only six matches are currently set for that night compared to seven on Saturday.

As the WWE gears up for the annual spectacle, all eyes remain on Orton and his potential opponents, as fans eagerly await definitive news leading into WrestleMania 41.