Randy Orton to return at Saturday Night's Main Event & instantly betray real-life friend? Chances Analyzed 

Over the past few weeks, Randy Orton has been absent from WWE due to an injury, which the company declared as cervical cord neurapraxia. Meanwhile, WWE is gearing up for its Saturday Night's Main Event with an already stacked lineup. Meanwhile, fans could witness a major twist at the event if The Viper makes his surprise return only to betray his real-life friend Cody Rhodes.

The American Nightmare is set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Kevin Owens in a highly anticipated title bout. Given the intense buildup between the two over the past few months, excitement is at an all-time high. Randy Orton's past involvement in the storyline further raises the possibility of his return during the championship match.

Orton could initially aid Cody Rhodes, helping him secure victory over The Prizefighter while pretending to be his ally. However, after the match, The Viper might reveal his true intentions by hitting Rhodes with an RKO out of nowhere, igniting a heated rivalry between the two. This angle could lead to a showdown on either RAW’s Netflix debut show or Royal Rumble 2025.

While Orton's injury recovery timeline is expected to be six to eight weeks, making his appearance at the NBC special event seems uncertain. Despite this, WWE has been known to pull unexpected returns, keeping the possibility alive. Fans have long anticipated a feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.

Given Orton’s history of betraying his closest allies, it wouldn’t be shocking if he does the same to The American Nightmare in pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship.

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Randy Orton could settle scores with former Universal Champion before Cody Rhodes

The feud between Randy Orton and Kevin Owens isn’t over yet, as Orton still has unfinished business and vengeance to seek against the Prizefighter. Whenever The Legend Killer returns to WWE, he’s expected to settle the score with Owens before eventually targeting Cody Rhodes.

A match between Owens and Orton remains possible, even if The Viper turns heel and betrays Cody Rhodes upon his return. A heel Apex Predator could be an even greater threat when facing the ruthless side of Kevin Owens.

One logical way to bypass Orton and Owens’ unresolved feud would be to reveal The Viper as the true mastermind behind Owens’ heel turn. WWE could disclose that Orton was the one who provoked Kevin to betray the Undisputed WWE Champion from the start.

This twist would allow WWE to sideline the Owens-Orton rivalry and shift the focus directly to the intense feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.