Randy Orton Challenges Kevin Owens to WrestleMania Showdown on SmackDown

One Big Thing

Randy Orton rejected Kevin Owens’ tag team proposal on SmackDown in Bologna, Italy, instead challenging The Prize Fighter to a singles match at WrestleMania 40.

Why It Matters

This challenge marks a significant turning point in their complicated relationship, potentially setting up a high-stakes singles match at WWE’s biggest event of the year.

Key Details

• Kevin Owens proposed forming a tag team with Orton to pursue the tag team titles at WrestleMania
• Orton countered by challenging Owens to a singles match
• The crowd strongly favored Orton’s singles match proposal over the tag team suggestion
• Their rivalry stems from Owens’ piledriver that temporarily sidelined Orton

By The Numbers

• This would be their first one-on-one match at WrestleMania
• WrestleMania 40 takes place April 6-7, 2024, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

Notable Quotes

Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn deserved what I did to them, but you didn’t.” – Kevin Owens to Randy Orton

What’s Next

WWE officials have not yet confirmed if this match will be added to the WrestleMania card. The coming weeks on SmackDown should reveal whether this challenge leads to an official match booking.

What match stipulation would you like to see added if WWE books Orton vs. Owens at WrestleMania? Share your thoughts in the comments below!