'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
WWE SmackDown Live's big debut on FOX is mere hours away, and a string of WWE legends and Hall of Famers are set to appear on the historic show. The Rock, one of the biggest Superstars in the history of this business, recently confirmed that he will be a part of the episode.
A source stated that The Rock wants a segment with Becky Lynch on SmackDown Live. Now, WWE veteran Randy Orton has issued a challenge to The Great One via Twitter. Orton stated that he will see The Rock on SmackDown Live, and added that they should have a match at WrestleMania 36.
It has been a long while since Orton and The Rock shared the ring in WWE. These two were a part of an incredibly entertaining segment on Monday Night RAW, back in 2004, which saw The Rock being escorted out of the arena by security personnel. They have never faced each other in a traditional one-on-one match, and a dream encounter between the two would certainly be a sight to behold. Let's take a look at five reasons why Orton challenged The Rock.
Trending
Also read: Bray Wyatt explains the meaning of "Yowie Wowie"
New Champs in WWE! More RIGHT HERE
#5 Unfinished business
When these two went into a war of words back in 2004, Orton was a heel and The Rock completely destroyed him on the mic. The segment was well received by the WWE Universe, but nothing came of it, barring a short beatdown on Orton at the hands of The Great One. The Rock left for Hollywood and didn't come back for seven long years.
It's high time this rivalry is resumed and maybe Orton wants the same. We never got to see this feud culminate in a singles match, and it's something the fans wouldn't mind seeing on The Grandest Stage Of Them All.
#4 WWE is actually considering the match
What if Orton's tweet is a set-up for a major segment on SmackDown Live's big debut? The company loves to do these kinds of segments on milestone episodes. We got to see Evolution getting together on SmackDown 1000 last year.
Maybe, WWE is seriously considering this match for next year's WrestleMania and wants to start the buildup on the historic episode of SmackDown Live. Last year's Evolution segment led to Batista meeting Triple H at WrestleMania 35. Hopefully, this tweet leads to a segment on SmackDown Live, which eventually results in a long build to a singles match at The Show of Shows.
Also read: Bray Wyatt reveals why The Fiend is attacking legends
#3 The Rock = guaranteed buys
The Rock's presence means guaranteed buys for the show he is a part of. When he faced off against John Cena at WrestleMania 28, the show broke a five-year record of the most number of WrestleMania PPV buys, which was earlier held by WrestleMania 23. The Rock coming back for a match at WrestleMania 36 would be a good business decision for all parties involved.
The fact that he will wrestle Randy Orton, with whom he's never had a singles match, will only help WWE bag more PPV buys for the event. WrestleMania is always built up around never-before-seen matches such as these, and it would be wise to put this contest as one of the marquee matches on the show next year. Orton knows he could earn a gigantic payday for the match, and maybe this could be the reason why he's trying to stir things up.
#2 A legit dream match
WWE has given its fans a bunch of iconic encounters in the past, many of them being showcased at a WrestleMania. On the other hand, there has been a string of missed opportunities too. Orton vs The Rock is one of those rare WWE dream matches that have never happened but could certainly be done if both parties agree to it.
The Rock and Orton both are in great shape at present and could carry a match on the Showcase of the Immortals. These two have previously faced off in a Handicap Match at WrestleMania 20. Now, a one-on-one dream match at WrestleMania 36 would be best for business. WrestleMania has seen several dream matches turning into reality in the past, and this could be another one in the coveted list.
Also read: 5 WWE Superstars who debuted as fans
#1 Who's the greatest 3rd generation Superstar?
As Orton stated in his tweet, both he and The Rock are possibly the greatest 3rd generation Superstars of all time. The Rock is hands down one of the greatest mic-workers in the history of this business, while Orton will go down as one of the greatest WWE Champions in the record books.
Orton is absolutely right when he says that this match would determine who's the greatest 3rd generation Superstar of all time. These two have never faced each other, and the burning question could finally be answered if WWE lets these two square off in a big 'Mania encounter. As to who should win the match, I'll ask you! If these two face off in the near future, who should win the bout?
Follow Sportskeeda Wrestling and Sportskeeda MMA on Twitter for all the latest news. Do not miss out!
