Randy Orton is not 100% heading into his WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42, which will headline night one of the biggest show of the year.
As reported by Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, sources in WWE have noted that Orton is “hurting” going into his match against WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
Meltzer also notes that although the plan is for Orton to win the championship given the added stipulation that Pat McAfee will leave wrestling if he loses, meaning that the result could change depending on Orton’s health:
“Perhaps most notable in the McAfee promo is that he said that if Randy Orton doesn’t beat Cody Rhodes for the title, that he will never do anything involving WWE again. Obviously that is not happening. In fact, the only result, given that promo, that was almost completely clear is Orton winning. We were told that Orton is hurting so there is a possibility that would change, as it would make no sense for Orton to win if he has to take time off, but McAfee’s statement came across like it’s as close to a lock as possible.”
Orton earned the opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship after winning the Elimination Chamber. Although Drew McIntyre was the champion at that point, the Scottish star lost the title to Rhodes on the next episode of SmackDown.
Orton later turned heel on Rhodes as part of the build-up to their match as he admitted that he was willing to do whatever it takes to ensure that he won a 15th World Title. On the April 3 SmackDown, Pat McAfee made his surprise return to WWE and attacked Rhodes before siding with Randy Orton and calling out the state of wrestling. The segment drew mass criticism from fans due to McAfee’s involvement in the rivalry and his promo containing incorrect information.
Randy Orton Expected To Be In Major Tag Match Following WrestleMania 42
The next Premium Live Event following WrestleMania, Backlash, will reportedly see Orton and McAfee team up to take on Rhodes and singer Jelly Roll. With this plan being leaked ahead of time, it is expected that Orton will be the winner at WrestleMania in what will be his 21st match at The Show of Shows.
Featured image: WWE
