WWE SmackDown: Will Randy Orton's Injury Affect Wade Barrett's Push?

WWE.com is confirming that Randy Orton is injured. With this news one has to wonder how this will affect Orton's current rival Wade Barrett.

Orton and Barrett have been in a months long feud which has seen both men get victories over the other. Now that Orton is on the shelf, WWE has to come up with something new for Barrett.

Barrett will be able to claim that he put Orton out of commission, which in itself is something that will help his push, but who will he feud with next?

Sheamus, Daniel Bryan or Big Show are all logical choices given their status on the show. If WWE decides that Barrett is ready, then we could see him join the hunt for the world title.

Barrett and Bryan have a history, dating back to the first season of NXT which could help give them some fuel for a feud.

Barrett could explain how upset he is that even though he won the first season of NXT and that Bryan won the world title before he did. This could lead to a good jealousy angle.

Barrett and Bryan are both talented in-ring performers, and it always seems like other people elevate their game when they get in the ring with Bryan.

A feud with the world champ would be exactly what Barrett needs to solidify himself as one of SmackDown's top heels. It would also provide for some great matches.

Facing Sheamus would be good for both men as they both seem to be on the upswing in WWE and if they had a lengthy program, both men could come out looking strong.

Barrett and Big Show have already had encounters in the past so this would be nothing new, but could be entertaining. There is also the possibility for a feud with someone lower on the totem pole than Barrett, which could be used as a way to make him look stronger.

Justin Gabriel is a babyface and he and Barrett have just as long of a history as Barrett and Bryan do, for the very same reason.

Gabriel needs something to do, since he is too talented in the ring to be wasted the way he has been ever since he turned face after the breakup of the Corre.

Another interesting possibility would be for Barrett to win the Royal Rumble next month and have him go on to the SmackDown main event of WrestleMania.

One final idea would be for a returning Undertaker to enter into a feud with the former Nexus leader. They have a history, with Barrett helping to bury the Undertaker in a match with Kane, so that could always be a starting point for a program.

There are quite a few possible directions for WWE to take with Barrett, and even a possible face turn would not be out of the question. We have yet to see Barrett operate as a face in WWE and he could find the same success as guys like Orton who were heels for so long and then found success as a good guy.

I just hope Barrett does not suffer a loss in push because they have nothing else for him to do.

What do you think should be Barrett's next move?