After securing a significant victory on the latest SmackDown episode, Randy Orton, also known as The Viper, made a surprising appearance at a non-WWE event. The recent SmackDown showcased Orton facing off against AJ Styles in the 2024 King of the Ring tournament. Styles, still reeling from a recent title loss, faced an unexpected defeat at the hands of Orton, putting a halt to his ambitions of challenging Cody Rhodes once more.
In the midst of his own ambitions to confront Tama Tonga in the tournament, Orton took a detour to support fellow St. Louis native Joaquin Buckley at the UFC Fight Night event. Buckley emerged victorious in his match against Nursulton Ruziboev, culminating in a heartwarming moment shared between him and Orton post-fight.
Randy Orton (Via WWE/Twitter)
Looking ahead, Orton’s path in the King of the Ring tournament remains uncertain. His upcoming match against Carmelo Hayes will determine his shot at facing Tama Tonga, provided Tonga emerges victorious in his own bout against LA Knight. The tournament’s winner from the SmackDown side will ultimately confront the RAW side victor at the King and Queen of the Ring Premium Live Event in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
As the lines between UFC and WWE continue to blur following the Endeavor merger, Orton finds himself balancing personal vendettas with professional aspirations. His journey through the tournament promises to be a challenging one, with revenge for his injured teammate, Kevin Owens, hanging in the balance. The Legend Killer’s future in the ring remains a compelling narrative, poised to charm fans and foes alike in the wrestling world.
