The Viper promises an RKO in Vegas—match or no match
Summary
– Kevin Owens is out of WrestleMania 41 due to neck surgery
– Randy Orton vows to appear and deliver an RKO regardless
– Orton dropped GM Nick Aldis on SmackDown to send a message
Randy Orton’s WrestleMania 41 plans have taken a hit following Kevin Owens’ neck injury, which was confirmed during the April 4 edition of SmackDown. With Owens sidelined and their anticipated clash scrapped, Orton heads into WWE’s biggest weekend without a scheduled match.
But Orton isn’t backing down. In a passionate video released by WWE, he made it clear he’ll be ready regardless. “I’ve got my gear, I’ve got my boots, and I’ll be all warmed up in that ring,” Orton said. “I’ve got to give the fans in Vegas an RKO at WrestleMania—it’s number 20.”
The Viper echoed that message earlier in an interview with Complex, noting how much WrestleMania 41 means to him: “It would be a shame if I wasn’t somehow put in a position where I can at least hit an RKO.”
Orton also empathized with Owens, calling the situation heartbreaking but wasting no time in making his frustration known. On SmackDown, he delivered a brutal RKO to SmackDown GM Nick Aldis, signaling he won’t wait quietly on the sidelines.
WrestleMania 41 kicks off this weekend at Allegiant Stadium, and whether it’s official or not, Randy Orton seems determined to make his 20th WrestleMania count.
We really hope @RealNickAldis has a plan for @RandyOrton at #WrestleMania this weekend… pic.twitter.com/A74GHMubNR
— WWE (@WWE) April 17, 2025
