It looks like WWE are preparing to change up their next title feud.
It was expected that Randy Orton would be the next title challenger for Roman Reigns following Riddle’s program with the Tribal Chief. However, news broke on Thursday that within the WWE, it is believed Orton may be out till 2023, at least.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE does have a plan B for Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, should Randy Orton not be able to compete.
Orton may need back surgery and those with knowledge of the situation said that the planned Reigns vs. Orton main event for 7/30 at Nissan Stadium in Nashville is in jeopardy. There is a backup plan for Reigns but we were told at press time the plan was not Riddle. There are limited options, with Cody Rhodes also hurt. They can put anyone in there, but aside from Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley, or possibly Gunther, nobody besides Riddle seems even remotely ready for that level. I suppose he could destroy Omos, but Omos lost the feud with Lashley, not that it matters with WWE booking.
Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Newsletter
Orton has been out of action with a back injury since The Uso’s defeated RK-Bro to Unify the WWE Tag Titles last month. Time will tell if WWE will have to use their backup plan and who it could be if Randy Orton cannot work SummerSlam.
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