Will Randy Orton side with Cody Rhodes or Kevin Owens after their Bad Blood drama? Analyzing huge hint of his intentions

Randy Orton has a massive dilemma on his hands after Kevin Owens apparently turned heel on Cody Rhodes at Bad Blood. Does he side with KO, who has seemingly gone back to his villainous ways, or realize he went a step too far?

The Viper appeared on NXT on Tuesday night (October 8) and spoke to NXT Tag Team Champions Nathan Frazer and Axiom backstage. He told the duo that 'Sometimes, we all need to find our darker place, if you know what I mean.'

Randy Orton's infamous 'darker place' has been synonymous with the 14-time world champion throughout his career. He was one of the most menacing heels years ago, willing to go to any length to take his rivals out.

Kevin Owens displayed similar traits of a heel Orton by attacking Rhodes after Bad Blood in the parking lot. The Prizefighter had seemingly had enough of watching his friend team with their longtime foe, Roman Reigns.

This has left fans guessing what RKO will do in response to the beatdown. He tried separating the duo on SmackDown a week ago when they butted heads.

Randy Orton might have decided that Owens was justified in his actions, which could have put him in trouble. Triple H says the matter will be dealt with internally, while other stars and commentators have been careful not to discuss the situation before the fans.

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Randy Orton should be Cody Rhodes' opponent at WrestleMania 41

Cody Rhodes is still the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion heading into Crown Jewel. He won't be defending the title on the show as he'll face World Heavyweight Champion Gunther for the Crown Jewel Championship.

Speculation is growing over who Rhodes will face at WrestleMania 41 if he remains champ until then. The Rock returned at Bad Blood and raised suspicions that a Triple-Threat with The Final Boss, The American Nightmare, and Roman Reigns could be 'Mania's main event.

However, Cody Rhodes perhaps needs a one-on-one feud to allow The Bloodline story to have its ultimate ending at The Show of Shows. Rock vs. Reigns for the right to be acknowledged as the true Tribal Chief should be the way to go.

The two-time Royal Rumble winner could instead lock horns with Randy Orton in a feud that has a ton of history to draw from. Their story stems all the way back to Cody Rhodes' debut in WWE when he joined RKO's stable, Legacy.

Randy Orton and Rhodes have had ups and downs over the years, making for a sensational rivalry. The looming threat of Kevin Owens would also make things more interesting, given that he may have signed a contract extension by then.