Randy Orton made a notable return to SmackDown last Friday, sparking excitement among fans who speculated on his involvement in the Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre match. However, WWE opted for a different storyline, pitting Orton against Trick Williams, which hints at a feud likely to unfold as they head towards the Royal Rumble premium live event later this month.
This new direction for Orton creates a compelling narrative, positioning Williams as a rising star on SmackDown who needs significant storylines to elevate him to the main-event status. A feud with the seasoned Orton could be exactly what Williams needs to showcase his talents and gain traction with the audience.
Nevertheless, this shift seems to sideline the ongoing storyline many anticipated for Orton. Throughout his recent appearances, Orton has played the role of a veteran supporting younger talent, primarily acting as a sidekick for Rhodes, which has rendered his character somewhat stale.
Circling back to the original storyline, there have been subtle hints of a potential heel turn for Orton, especially given his ambitions around the WWE Championship. The long-expected rivalry with Rhodes appeared to be on the horizon as Orton has often been seen with a watchful eye on the title, suggesting a slowly building tension between the two. With Rhodes currently embroiled in his own storyline with McIntyre, any immediate plans for a confrontation between him and Orton seem postponed, even though it’s likely inevitable in the future.
WWE deserves credit for launching Williams onto a prominent trajectory in his career, and prioritizing his development this year could pay dividends. However, Orton’s recent appearance on SmackDown raises questions regarding the creative direction of the brand. While the decision to crown McIntyre as champion was strategic, it seems WWE was caught off guard by the ripple effects this had on other storylines, including the future of Orton’s character.