29/09/2023
https://www.facebook.com/100064378644024/posts/696097819212833/?app=fbl
During last night's SmackDown event, was supposed to be joined by to sign a contract for a match at WWE with The Bloodline.
However, he did not show up as the members attacked him backstage. Before Cena could get to Styles' aid, the damage had been done. Yet Cena also signed the contract already. Plus, & also signed it.
This means Cena is going to need a partner or he will be forced to take on the Bloodline alone in a few weeks.
Enter the potential partner...
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RUMOR: RANDY ORTON EXPECTED TO BE CENA'S PARTNER
has been seen at WWE's Performance Center recently, reportedly looking in relatively good shape. This is a big deal, as Orton has missed a lot of time due to a back injury that required surgery.
Coming back from such an injury in this industry is very difficult. Heck, many even had to retire from it. Especially someone who has been doing it as long as Orton has. Yet Randy seems to be doing okay.
The work at the PC was to evaluate if Orton was ready for a return. According to those who saw him, he looked good. But then again, has been spotted at the PC several times and looked relatively good yet he's still not cleared to return.
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WHEN RANDY COULD RETURN:
IF Randy is going to come back, theoretically WWE would want him to do so either the right before Fast Lane or at the Fast Lane event itself.
Orton was never drafted in the previous WWE Draft, so technically he's a free agent that could appear on any brand that desires his services.
This would allow Orton to appear on SmackDown one week and then show up on or even the following week. Therefore, according to brand split rules, he would not technically be violating anything. Even though WWE has seemingly been relaxing those rules as of late.
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IT MAKES ALL THE SENSE IN THE WORLD:
While Orton's return is not 100% confirmed, many are expecting him to be Cena's partner. With this being a tag match, Cena could take most of the big bumps, allowing Orton to avoid them as much as possible. So it does make sense.
Plus, kayfabe-wise it also makes sense. Orton is one of Cena's greatest rivals, but the two have massive respect for each other.
Orton also hates the Bloodline and has even been a WWE Tag Team Champion in recent years, so he's a great partner to have. Plus, it isn't as if the two never tagged with each other before. They once took on the entire RAW Locker Room in a match.
