WWE News: Randy Orton's WrestleMania 28 Opponent Strongly Hinted

Disclaimer: The following contains SmackDown spoilers that will not air until March 2.

With WrestleMania 28 on the horizon, many fans have wondered what Randy Orton's role will be at what is shaping up to be the biggest event in recent memory.

After much speculation, though, the lingering doubts and concerns can probably be put to rest.

This past Tuesday at the conclusion of the SmackDown tapings, Orton got into an altercation with "The Big Red Monster" (411Mania.com):

"

...Kane's pyro suddenly erupted in the arena. The lights went red to bring out Kane. Bryan scattered from the ring, and so did A.J., who was alone with him when he first entered the ring. Orton started wailing away at Kane, and flew him over the rope to the outside. Eventually, Kane reentered the ring, and chokeslammed Orton to the mat. Kane grabbed a mic and said, "Welcome Back Randy...Welcome Back," with Kane's sinister laughter. The TV show appeared to end with Orton still lying on the mat, and Kane walking up the ramp.

"

Since WrestleMania is only one month away, it is likely a surefire bet that Orton will be wrestling Kane at the Miami extravaganza.

More often than not, a show-ending angle between performers indicates a storyline that is planned to be a part of WWE programming moving forward until it reaches its natural conclusion (i.e., a match or series of them).

Fortunately, unlike many questionable storylines that start and stop in the WWE, a feud between Kane and Orton makes logical sense.

Kane, for instance, had to be revitalized by moving to a different setting—the SmackDown brand—after being vanquished in his RAW program with John Cena at Royal Rumble 2012.

Orton, who just returned from his concussion, was also in need of a high-profile challenger who could pose a formidable threat at the most publicized event of the year. Needless to say, Orton versus Kane is not only a fresh feud, but it will not look out of place on the star-studded card.

Not to mention, the two have a history dating back to the last time "The Big Red Machine" was a regular on the SmackDown brand.

Following their back-and-forth street fight in July 2011, Kane, who came out on the losing end, shook Orton's hand as a sign of mutual respect.

Perhaps this time around, Kane will aim to prove his worth to "The Apex Predator," similar to how his "brother," The Undertaker, wants to against his arch-rival, Triple H.

And while their bout at WrestleMania won't be a mat classic, Kane vs. Orton will undoubtedly be a hard-hitting affair.

Lastly, because the rivalry will just be getting started, one should expect their WrestleMania bout to end in either a disqualification, count-out or with Kane winning via nefarious means, setting up a gimmick encounter at Extreme Rules 2012.

Follow me on Twitter @ImaanJK