37-year-old star to prevent Randy Orton's potential WWE SmackDown return? Chances explored

The upcoming episode of SmackDown could see a 37-year-old WWE Superstar hamper Randy Orton's potential return to the blue brand this week. The Viper was last seen at the Bash in Berlin 2024 Premium Live Event, where he lost to World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.

Given the intensity of the match at Bash in Berlin 2024, and keeping in mind the stage Orton is at in his life, a couple of weeks' rest is justified. The Stamford-based company could bring The Apex Predator back this week since it is the season premiere of Friday Night SmackDown.

According to a report from PWInsiderElite, World Heavyweight Champion Gunther is also set to appear on SmackDown this Friday. As per the report, The Ring General will be present at the show for a dark match. However, keeping a superstar as hot as Gunther only for a dark match will not make sense.

Instead, fans could see him on WWE SmackDown in an altercation with Randy Orton. The 37-year-old star could appear on the show along with his Imperium teammate, Ludwig Kaiser, and launch a vicious attack on The Viper.

Both superstars have been in a heated feud for months now. Gunther and Randy competed against each other in the finals of the 2024 King of the Ring tournament as well as at Bash in Berlin for the World Heavyweight Championship. Their feud could culminate in a trilogy match at Bad Blood or Survivor Series: WarGames this year. While The Ring General is already 2-0 up against Orton, based on the former's current temperament and form, he would want to have the last laugh in his feud with The Legend Killer.

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Roman Reigns is advertised for WWE SmackDown this Friday

The upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown will air live on the USA Network. The Stamford-based company has booked some big matches for the show. The biggest match of the night will be Solo Sikoa vs. Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship inside a Steel Cage. However, there is something that could even top that this Friday.

The company's official X/Twitter handle has advertised Roman Reigns for this week's episode of SmackDown. The Original Tribal Chief has been absent for a few weeks after being on the receiving end of a vicious attack from The Bloodline.

Roman Reigns could return to SmackDown with just one target in mind, to not let Solo Sikoa win the Undisputed WWE Championship.

The Bloodline has run riot on SmackDown ever since Reigns went on a hiatus after his loss at WrestleMania XL. It remains to be seen whether or not Roman appears on the blue brand this Friday.