9-time WWE Champion to make his return on Smackdown and add Crown Jewel implications? Chances explored

WWE SmackDown looks likely to be an exciting show this week, with Crown Jewel just around the corner. Several storylines are reaching a fever pitch, and one could be resolved this Friday, October 25. Randy Orton and Kevin Owens are at loggerheads after KO turned on The Viper two weeks ago.

KO attacked RKO backstage after he tried to play peacekeeper between The Prizefighter and Cody Rhodes. This looks to be headed toward a match between the friends who have seemingly turned into enemies, and Triple H might be the man to book it.

Triple H only makes special appearances for important announcements of late, and this could be one of them. WWE's Chief Content Officer suggested he'd taken disciplinary action against Owens after his Bad Blood parking lot ambush on Rhodes at Bad Blood 2024.

KO was reportedly suspended and fined but defended both of his attacks in a video recorded on his mobile. The clip aired on SmackDown, and he clarified that he was angry with Orton for 'picking' Rhodes over him.

The duo could settle their differences at Crown Jewel. Triple H could raise the stakes by giving both men an even more enticing reason to settle their differences in the ring and not outside: He could announce that the winner will face Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Survivor Series on November 30.

Owens challenged The American Nightmare unsuccessfully at Bash in Berlin in August this year. Tension between him and Rhodes grew from then on. He was furious when the two-time Royal Rumble winner teamed with Roman Reigns at Bad Blood.

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Randy Orton could be setting a trap on WWE SmackDown while Cody Rhodes deals with Gunther at Crown Jewel

Randy Orton has been trying to calm the storm between Kevin Owens and Cody Rhodes lately. It's rare to see The Viper being a diplomat as he has a track record of scheming to take down his foes.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis highlighted this to Orton on the same episode of Owens' backstage attack. Subtle hints suggest something is amiss with the 14-time world champion.

Orton can be one of the most sadistic and evil heels in the game and has turned his back on many in the past. Rhodes knows all about the lengths his former Legacy stable leader will go to get what he wants.

That might just be the Undisputed WWE Championship, and he might be using Owens' recent spiral to get closer and closer to strike at the champion. An Orton vs. Rhodes rivalry for the title at WrestleMania 41 is what many fans are dreaming of.

For now, SmackDown's Rhodes is focused on RAW's World Heavyweight Champion Gunther. The two will collide for the inaugural Crown Jewel Championship at Crown Jewel next weekend.