Analyzing Randy Orton's Prospects for Potential Opponents After Battleground

It's safe to say Randy Orton won't be leaving Battleground with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

As WrestlingInc.com mentions, most of the released promotional material for August's SummerSlam pay-per-view involves John Cena still having the belt.

Besides, the WWE Universe isn't exactly clamoring for another Orton reign after his mediocre run with the title in late 2013/early 2014. The star needs to be kept away from the title scene for a while, at least until he can rejuvenate his character and/or find a way to step out from Triple H's huge shadow.

Credit: WWE.com

So who will The Viper find himself feuding with after Battleground?

New babyface star Dean Ambrose, who will likely have finished up his singles feud with Seth Rollins by then, appears to be the best candidate.

Orton and Ambrose have clashed in some very good television matches in recent times, which have served as a great teaser for a full-blown program between the pair.

And the former WWE champion’s participation in the long and brutal backstage beatdown of Ambrose on Monday’s edition of Raw was another hint that the two may be colliding soon.

Credit: WWE.com

If so, this can only be considered welcome news.

Ambrose has gotten over with the crowds in recent times thanks to his charisma, energy and intense, edgy promos—if anyone can help revive Orton's stale career, it's a prolonged feud with him. (It would also help establish Ambrose and put him on the map.)

Not only would their in-ring bouts be very respectable, the interviews and promos would surely be worth watching.

As mentioned, Ambrose is a great personality, and it's easy to see a scenario where he drags The Viper out of his comfort zone and forces him to show some real zest and personality.

Roman Reigns, another ex-Shield member, would also be an intriguing candidate for a feud with Orton—although it's difficult to see how the former WWE champion would benefit from it.

Reigns is currently WWE's golden boy and someone the company is positioning for very big things. Per reports (from Wrestling Observer Newsletter via WrestlingInc.com), he's even being set up to win the title at next year's WrestleMania.

Credit: WWE.com

If he clashes with Orton in a program he'll have to win—and win clean. This may be good for him as he continues to climb up the card, but what about Orton?

Will putting over Reigns—at SummerSlam or another high-profile event—just be yet another sign that he has peaked as a performer and his time as a main eventer is winding down?

Regardless, the feud is probably still worth trying. There’s no reason it wouldn’t be highly entertaining.

There are several interesting options for Orton after Battleground.

OK, none of them will send him back into the title picture, but they can help rebuild and establish him in the eyes of WWE Universe and make him a highlight of the show again. Let's hope the booking team makes the call to do something fresh with him in the upcoming months.