Randy Orton and 24-year veteran to return on WWE SmackDown for a huge SummerSlam match? Exploring possible swerve

Randy Orton is one of the many victims of Solo Sikoa's Bloodline on WWE SmackDown, and The Viper could make an interesting return soon ahead of SummerSlam. Due to the numbers advantage his opponents have, he might not return alone.

On the July 12, 2024, episode of WWE SmackDown, The Bloodline and Cody Rhodes faced off after Solo Sikoa challenged the champion to an Undisputed Championship match at SummerSlam. However, The American Nightmare wasn't alone for long as Randy Orton emerged to join him. The group outnumbered them and attacked The Viper while the champion watched helplessly. Fans have not seen Randy on the Blue brand since, but he could return this week with Kevin Owens.

A week after Randy's attack, Kevin returned to WWE television to team with Cody against A-Town Down Under. However, Owens was also subjected to an attack by The Bloodline. Rhodes previously shared that The Prizefighter was taken to a hospital after the attack, but was okay. From the looks of it, Kevin is indeed feeling good already as he was in action during the company's Japan Tour last week.

On the upcoming episode of WWE SmackDown, The Bloodline's Jacob Fatu and Tama Tonga will face DIY for the Tag Team Championship. Many think The Bloodline will win the match, which could happen due to the presence of Solo and Tonga Loa. However, Randy and Kevin could spoil their celebration.

After the title match, R-KO could return and attack The Bloodline. To end the WWE SmackDown episode, they could issue a last-minute SummerSlam match against Jacob and Tama for the Tag Team Championship.

What other roles could Randy Orton and Kevin Owens play on SummerSlam?

While there has been no announcement yet if Randy and Kevin will appear at SummerSlam, it's possible that they could be present during Cody's match after the actions of The Bloodline. Interestingly, wrestling analyst Sam Roberts believes they could have other agendas for the event.

On the Notsam Wrestling Podcast, Sam Roberts shared that Cody could win against Solo and have Kevin and Randy return to celebrate with the champion. However, the duo could turn heel after realizing that while they had Rhodes' back, the champion didn't have theirs.

"Cody Rhodes comes back from SummerSlam, triumphant victor. And now, both Kevin Owens and Randy Orton are back. Did Cody Rhodes visit them in the hospital? Did Cody Rhodes make sure they were okay? They were there for Cody, was Cody there for them? And that is how we immediately get to Kevin Owens and Randy Orton taking out what happened to them on Cody."

It remains to be seen when Randy Orton and Kevin Owens will return to WWE SmackDown.