So, Randy Orton’s next steps in WWE aren’t a secret anymore.

After his big match with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, fans wondered, “What now?” Sure, Orton lost, and that's put his championship chase on pause, but he's still sticking around at the main event level. In fact, that loss might be what kicks off something fresh for him.

WWE’s already made plans. Orton’s set to appear on Raw right after WrestleMania, and the company’s pushing his return pretty hard. They're not easing him back in; they're setting up something important, and it could shape where his story goes next.

That Raw is probably where Orton deals with the fallout from Vegas. He showed he’s still fired up, and that attitude is why WWE keeps trusting him in big spots. Word is, his segment on Raw will reveal whether he’s sticking with Rhodes as his target or shifting to a new rivalry.

There’s more going on, too. Rhodes got injured over WrestleMania weekend, which throws the championship picture into chaos. Nobody’s declared the title vacant yet, but WWE needs veterans to steady things. Orton’s timing here feels calculated, not random.

If Rhodes is out for a while, WWE’s got decisions to make, and Orton’s a natural part of the conversation. He’s got credibility, star power, and experience as champ. Even without the belt, he’s always central when things get messy.

But WWE isn’t tossing him back into a title shot right away. They’re trying to balance keeping things interesting in the short term while planning for the long haul. Instead of running it all back again, they might stretch the feud or have Orton spark a bigger storyline with multiple contenders.

Another thing Orton might not wrestle every week anymore. People close to it say WWE’s open to tweaking his schedule, focusing him on big episodes and premium events. That keeps him healthier and makes his appearances feel special.

This approach has worked for legends before. Less is more: smaller doses, bigger impact. For Orton, that means fewer routine matches and more meaningful rivalries. WWE sees him more as a major attraction now, not just another face in the weekly lineup.

On top of all this, Orton himself shut down retirement rumours. He says he’s still got years left on his WWE deal, so this isn’t some farewell tour. WrestleMania looks more like a turning point than an ending. He’s not stepping away; he’s shifting gears and setting up for what’s next. WWE’s counting on him to anchor things and help both rising stars and established names.

Looking ahead, Backlash is already getting mentioned as a spot where Orton could show up big. No official matches yet, but insiders say he’ll be a key player at upcoming big events. With the championship picture up in the air, WWE knows Orton draws eyes.

There’s chatter about throwing him into a multi-man storyline, too. That way, WWE keeps things fresh, avoids repeating the Rhodes feud too soon, and gives Orton the chance to take on different roles: main event, supporting, stirring the pot.

Right now, all eyes are on Raw. That’ll show whether he wants more with Rhodes or pivots to something new. With the title situation uncertain, whatever Orton says is going to matter. WWE doesn’t hype a return like this for nothing.

Expect something that feels important, a segment with impact, not just filler. Orton shines when the tension’s high and the next move isn’t obvious.

Bottom line: Orton’s not quietly fading out. WWE is positioning him for a run that could define the late stage of his career. He’s got the Raw return, championship drama, and a more flexible schedule, all signs that his presence is as crucial as ever.

Cody Rhodes has reclaimed the spotlight in WWE, standing tall once again as the Undisputed WWE Champion after a demanding run at the top.

Yet, in pro wrestling, momentum can shift in the blink of an eye. After the beating he took post-WrestleMania 42 and the physical grind of recent matches, there’s been a quiet buzz about what might happen if he can’t defend the title.

Over the last day, Sportskeeda dug into this very scenario. While nothing official is hinting that Rhodes will give up the championship, the mere talk underlines just how unpredictable the main event scene feels right now.

If WWE had to name a new champion out of the blue, a handful of names would quickly come to mind.

CM Punk stands out thanks to his undeniable credibility.

CM Punk remains one of the roster’s most captivating figures. His comeback changed the game, and his latest performances reminded everyone why he once ruled the world title scene. If Rhodes had to step away, Punk wouldn’t need much buildup to step into that spotlight.

What makes him compelling is the fire he brings to every feud. His presence alone raises the stakes instantly.

If the title became vacant, you’d want someone who already carries that larger-than-life vibe. Punk fits perfectly. He brings history, edge, and a reputation that commands attention from the moment his music hits.

Oba Femi could signal a bold new path.

Oba Femi isn’t the conventional choice, but that’s exactly why his name draws interest. Over the past year, he’s steadily become one of the hottest rising stars. His blend of strength and agility turns heads, and WWE has shown faith by giving him meaningful opportunities.

Putting Femi at the top would mean WWE is serious about building the future now. It wouldn’t be the safe route, more like a statement.

When WWE has surprised fans before, it often changed the product’s direction for months. Femi winning the title would inject fresh energy and open up matchups fans haven’t seen before.

Drew McIntyre would bring steadiness and proven leadership.

Drew McIntyre knows the pressure of carrying a championship. He has been the face of the company and understands what it means to hold down the fort. His past title runs made him a reliable main event presence.

If the belt became vacant, McIntyre would be the steady hand you could count on. He consistently delivers solid matches and brings a serious tone to his feuds.

There’s no adjustment period with him. He knows how to make big matches feel important and keep momentum through major live events. In uncertain times, that familiarity can be a real asset.

LA Knight offers an undeniable crowd connection.

Few talents generate buzz the way LA Knight does. His knack for reading and commanding a crowd has turned him into one of WWE’s fan favourites. Wherever he goes, the chants follow, and over the past year, WWE has steadily raised his profile.

Giving Knight the championship might feel like a win for fans who have organically pushed for him. He feeds off the energy, which could translate to strong TV segments and headline matches.

Some might wonder if he’s been consistently given top-tier positioning, but his upward momentum suggests he’s closer than many realise. A vacancy could be the break he needs.

Randy Orton remains the safest, most complete choice.

Randy Orton often leads this conversation for a good reason. His legacy stands tall with multiple world titles, decades in main events, and an ability to evolve across generations that makes him a dependable choice.

His recent encounters with Rhodes add depth here. There’s history and tension that make a quick pivot believable.

If needed, Orton could slide back into the championship picture without causing a storyline stretch. He naturally carries prestige. When he holds a world title, it carries real weight. That kind of aura can’t be faked.

Why this discussion is relevant now

The idea of Cody Rhodes giving up the championship is still just speculation. But the fact that credible contenders immediately come to mind speaks volumes about WWE’s current landscape at the top.

Each possible successor suggests a different direction.

Choosing Punk would lean into star appeal and instant buzz. Picking Femi focuses on future potential. McIntyre would bring calm and dependability. Knight represents organic fan momentum. Orton preserves tradition and credibility.

These aren’t just interchangeable options. Each path would shift storylines, rivalries, and pay-per-view plans for the foreseeable future. That’s why this kind of debate holds weight. Titles in WWE aren’t just props; they help define entire eras.

Right now, Rhodes still holds the belt. Until something official changes, he remains The American Nightmare.

But wrestling is all about unpredictability. Injuries, surprises, and storyline twists can flip everything upside down at any moment.