dailyloe.com – Randy Orton is reportedly managing injuries ahead of his WrestleMania 42 match against Cody Rhodes this Saturday. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Orton is ‘working on some injuries.’ Meltzer stated it is not certain Orton will win due to potential injury concerns. He said, ‘If Randy doesn’t win, it’s an injury thing.’
Meltzer clarified that Orton is ‘absolutely supposed to win’ the match. He and colleague Bryan Alvarez noted Pat McAfee’s comments about leaving WWE if Rhodes wins. McAfee’s remarks are seen as potentially revealing the main event’s finish. WWE is reportedly planning a tag match for the Backlash event in May.
The planned match would feature McAfee teaming with Orton against Rhodes and Jelly Roll. Creative staff are setting up a payoff involving all four individuals. This follows Orton’s attack on Jelly Roll last Friday on SmackDown. The result could see Jelly Roll seeking revenge on McAfee during a Rhodes title defense.
Orton’s injury situation creates uncertainty about his post-WrestleMania plans. This fuels criticism of Pat McAfee’s role in the ongoing storyline. Having McAfee act as Orton’s spokesperson makes more sense if Orton becomes a heel champion. Otherwise, the build for the Rhodes-Orton match could have been handled differently.
On the second night of WrestleMania 42, Sami Zayn will defend the Intercontinental Championship. His opponent is Trick Williams in a highly anticipated match. The outcome holds significance beyond just the title changing hands. BodySlam.net, via WrestlePurists, reports the creative team is considering a double-turn.
A double-turn would involve Zayn and Williams swapping their character alignments. This strategic story shift could redefine their roles after the event. The report indicates this is a possibility being weighed for the match. No final decision on the potential double-turn was confirmed in the source.[]
Source: Bleacher Report
