WWE Survivor Series saw two significant returns to the company: CM Punk and Randy Orton. Considering the longstanding bad blood between Punk and WWE, his homecoming seems to have garnered more attention, but the fans have also been lightning-hot for Orton. This past Monday night on Raw, The Viper showed he could still go in the ring when he easily dispatched WWE NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio. What is next for the multi-time WWE World Champion is still the subject of speculation.
Today’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter reports that Orton is among the men being considered to face Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble. Since he is currently competing on Raw, it would seem some trade or other storyline device would need to be used to put him in The Bloodline’s crosshairs. The other names that appear to be in contention for the premium live event main event spot are LA Knight and Kevin Owens.
Knight unsuccessfully faced Reigns at WWE Crown Jewel last month, and the report notes that as of last week, there are plans for him that do not involve the title picture. Owens has been at odds with The Bloodline for a long time and has feuded with Reigns in the past. Unlike Orton, Knight and Owens are SmackDown stars, so positioning them for a feud with Reigns would be less complicated.
Beyond the Rumble, there appear to be some big-name contenders in the mix for a shot at Reigns at WWE WrestleMania 40. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson got fans’ wheels spinning not long ago when he confirmed plans for a match against Reigns at WrestleMania 39 fell apart due to creative issues. However, he left the door open for a historic collision this April. There’s also Cody Rhodes, who attempted to finish his story at WrestleMania 39 but came up short after rampant outside interference. The former AEW EVP has continued to talk about his desire to defeat Reigns, and many still see him in the WrestleMania main event picture.
CM Punk is reportedly in line for a feud with Reigns and his “wise man” Paul Heyman. However, before those two big stars face off, Punk will likely feud with Seth “Freaking” Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The match between the two may be held off until WrestleMania 40, but rumors of a match between Punk and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin are now picking up steam. If it does take place, WrestleMania seems like the most natural platform for it.