Kevin Owens Sparks Speculation With Cryptic Post Amid Randy Orton Mystery

Kevin Owens Sparks Speculation With Cryptic Post Amid Randy Orton Mystery

Kevin Owens has ignited speculation among WWE fans following a cryptic social media post that may tie into the ongoing mystery surrounding Randy Orton on WWE SmackDown.

Owens recently shared a video on X showing himself playing with a Cody Rhodes action figure while Rhodes’ entrance theme played in the background. The timing of the post, with the Rhodes vs. Orton feud heating up ahead of WrestleMania 42, quickly led fans to connect the dots.

One of the biggest theories coming out of the post is that Owens could be the unidentified caller who has been giving Orton instructions on recent episodes of SmackDown. The voice behind the calls has not been revealed, leaving room for speculation as the storyline develops.

The idea of Owens being involved is not without context. Prior to being sidelined, he was heavily involved in storylines with both Rhodes and Orton, making him a logical fit within the current narrative. His history with both men has only added fuel to the speculation.

Despite being away from full-time television, Owens has not completely disappeared from WWE programming, appearing occasionally on digital content. However, he has not returned to regular in-ring action and has not provided a timeline for when that might happen. Owens underwent neck surgery less than a year ago and is still not expected back imminently.

While it is possible the post was simply lighthearted, it has clearly generated discussion among fans who are trying to piece together the mystery angle.

WWE has not confirmed any connection between Owens and the storyline, nor has there been any official update on his return. As it stands, Rhodes is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Orton in the Night 1 main event of WrestleMania 42 on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

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Top Names Spotted Backstage Ahead of WWE RAW at MSG

Top Names Spotted Backstage Ahead of WWE RAW at MSG

WWE RAW heads to MSG, Madison Square Garden, tonight for what is shaping up to be one of the biggest episodes of the year, and several unexpected names are already in the building.

According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful Select, multiple SmackDown talents have been spotted in New York despite not being part of the RAW roster. Among those confirmed to be in town are Cody Rhodes and Nikkita Lyons. At this time, it remains unclear whether either will appear on the broadcast.

In addition, Nikki Bella and Brie Bella were seen arriving backstage earlier in the day. Video footage circulating online shows the duo greeting fans as they entered the venue, confirming their presence despite not being officially advertised for the show.

While none of these appearances have been confirmed, the fact that so many high-profile names are backstage has increased speculation about potential surprises. WWE has a long history of delivering unexpected moments at Madison Square Garden, particularly when major events are on the horizon.

With WrestleMania 42 just around the corner, the timing only adds to the intrigue. Even before these sightings, the show was already expected to feature a strong lineup. Now, with additional talent quietly present, the likelihood of surprise segments, returns, or storyline developments has grown significantly.

At a venue known for historic WWE moments, the uncertainty surrounding tonight’s RAW could be a sign that something major is planned as the road to WrestleMania continues.

WWE RAW at MSG Match Card 

  • World Tag Team Championship Street Fight: The Usos (c) vs. Logan Paul and Austin Theory
  • Women’s Tag Team Championship match: Nia Jax and Lash Legend (c) vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria
  • Intercontinental Championship open challenge: Penta (c) vs. Kofi Kingston
  • IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez
  • Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Stephanie Vaquer and Rhea Ripley appear
  • John Cena serves as host
  • Roxanne Perez expected to return
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Stephanie McMahon Makes Rare WWE Raw Appearance In Promo Segment With Cody Rhodes

Stephanie McMahon made an unadvertised appearance on “WWE Raw,” live from Madison Square Garden, on Monday to offer Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes some advice going into his WrestleMania 42 match against “The Viper” Randy Orton. Rhodes was interrupted by McMahon as he hyped up the crowd in New York City to open the show.

When he admitted he was a bit confused to see her, McMahon said of course she was going to be in the “house her grandfather built,” but also began to caution Rhodes against this version of Orton.

McMahon said that Rhodes has taken the golden path and stayed true to his values, and he always believes he can bring out the best of his opponents, but he can’t do that against this Orton. She said Rhodes needs to think diabolical, like Orton, which was something his father, Dusty Rhodes, did better than anyone. McMahon said that from what she’s seen so far in the feud, Rhodes is not his father.

Rhodes mentioned having to babysit Orton during their Legacy days while they were on the road, and said he’s not afraid of him after it all. He clapped back with a Vince McMahon reference when he told McMahon she wasn’t her father, either, which earned him a slap.

McMahon said that she was trying to give him guidance against Orton, as he had no one else, and said that Orton is listening to the voices in his head, and it appears he’s listening to someone else, as well, in reference to his backstage phone calls. She said Rhodes needs to learn how to think like Orton or he’s going to lose the title. As she went to leave, Rhodes spun her around and told her he had two words for her. As the crowd chanted “suck it,” Rhodes only said, “thank you.”

Ex-UFC Star Khabib Nurmagomedov On WMMA: ‘A Woman Is Weaker, A Man Is Stronger’

Former UFC star Khabib Nurmagomedov gave his stance on women in professional fighting and MMA.

Nurmagomedov retired in 2021 as the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion with a 29-0 record, and has since continued to coach the newest generation of fighters like reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Islam Makhachev and former champion Belal Muhammad. 

However, based on his comments made during a press conference held by the Sun Hills Development real estate company in Phuket, Thailand, he likely won’t be coaching any emerging women’s fighters. 

“There are women who choose this sport. It’s their choice. They chose it. If you ask me, I wouldn’t choose this sport for women,” he said. “It’s brutal even for men, first of all. For women it’s… I don’t even consider it. If they want to come to the gym and train to be able to defend themselves, there are women who think they can come, train, and if someone attacks them, they can defend themselves.”

He continued, “Let them go and train, no problem. But for me, it’s still something wild when a woman gets hit in the face. Whether it’s a man hitting or a woman hitting a woman.”

He said that was especially the case when the woman is a mother, going into his upbringing involving traditional gendered roles. For a man, he said that life is about raising children and taking care of loved ones and neighbors. 

“There are very few women who take on big responsibilities,” he added. “It’s very hard for them. It’s not without reason. Even God created it this way. A woman is weaker, a man is stronger. People want to change and mix all of this… But I like when a man does men’s work, and a woman does women’s work.”

Nurmagomedov did emphasize that it’s purely his belief and told the audience to make up their own minds, but that hasn’t stopped discourse arising from his comments. 

Bully Ray Has An Idea For How To Get GUNTHER On The WWE WrestleMania 42 Card

Bully Ray said he liked the idea of the open challenge because it’s a fun surprise. He said WWE could tease it over the next two weeks if it’s announced on Monday’s edition of the show, and he and LaGreca threw out a few names of legends who GUNTHER could retire, like fellow “Busted Open” host Tommy Dreamer or John Bradshaw Layfield. LaGreca said it had to be someone who fans think might have a shot at winning, but Bully Ray disagreed.

“You can build the chance in the match… Even AJ Styles and John Cena, you knew that they didn’t have a chance,” he said. “You knew what was going to happen. It’s just about the fun, the pop, the excitement… GUNTHER will put a match together where you think the other guy will win, but we know the outcome.”

He said there’s no one that you could put in front of him that he would think is beating GUNTHER. The Hall of Famer explained that if someone did defeat him at WrestleMania, that would be “f****** up” his push, which he said has already been slowed a little due to plans reportedly being changed due to injuries. 

“I like the open challenge idea” he said. “I’m going back to these names because you can plug these names in and it would work. You hit Bubba Ray Dudley’s music. Tommy Dreamer. Rob Van Dam. ‘Hey, Rob, we need you to come in and put GUNTHER over… but, you’ll never wrestle in the WWE again.'”

If you use any quotes from this article, please credit “Busted Open Radio” and provide a h/t to Wrestling Inc. for the transcription.