4 Potential Randy Orton Matches at WWE WrestleMania 41 After Kevin Owens' Injury

Kevin Owens' announcement on Friday's SmackDown that he will miss an unspecified amount of time due to a significant neck injury has left Randy Orton without an opponent for WrestleMania 41.

Fresh off his return at Elimination Chamber, The Viper may face uncertainty entering The Showcase of the Immortals, but he is not without potential opposition for the biggest show of the year.

Who are potential opponents for the third-generation Superstar in Las Vegas on April 19-20? Find out with this preview.

SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis

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SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis found himself on the receiving end of his second RKO Friday night, leaving some to wonder if that one moment could serve as a gateway back to the squared circle for the former TNA and NWA world champion.

Many WWE fans have not seen Aldis wrestle before. They are unfamiliar with his work in other companies, or that he even lost the NWA title to Cody Rhodes at the inaugural All In.

They do not know that he was an accomplished in-ring competitor who found success in every promotion in which he competed, but they may soon be introduced to that side of the SmackDown authority figure.

Orton's previous RKO was met by a fine, with The Apex Predator offering a check for double that amount, promising it would not be the last time.

Now, after a second attack, could Aldis stand up for himself against Orton, taking it upon himself to teach the future Hall of Famer a lesson of respect for his authority?

It's a ready-made story WWE could kick off immediately and have ready in time for WrestleMania. It can also be the emphasis for the return of a Superstar for whom we have seen weeks of teaser vignettes; a punishment of sorts for Orton.

Aleister Black

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For the past month, fans have watched as vignettes teased the return of Aleister Black to WWE, with the initial indications being a first appearance on the SmackDown after WrestleMania.

With the Owens announcement, though, WWE needs to pivot. And what better way to create an unforgettable moment than by returning the Dutchman ahead of schedule and booking him as Aldis' hand-picked opponent for Orton?

That it is a first-time matchup only enhances the value of adding that contest to the card.

If management is insistent on keeping Black off of TV until the SmackDown after WrestleMania, returning Rusev for that spot after he reportedly re-signed with WWE is another option.

Rey Fenix

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The likelihood that WWE Creative would put Rey Fenix in a position where he would have to fight for cheers against a Superstar as beloved as Orton is low.

However, if there was a last-minute replacement for Owens who would generate intrigue and bring two Superstars of different styles together for the biggest show of the year, it would be the former All Elite Wrestling tag team and trios champion.

Fenix made his debut on Friday's SmackDown in Chicago, defeating Nathan Frazier and setting the stage for a run on the blue brand that will hopefully be met with the same enthusiasm from the fans that his brother, Penta, has enjoyed.

One way to get him there is for him to have a huge match on the biggest show of the year and prove himself against one of the standard-bearers in professional wrestling.

Karrion Kross

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The most intriguing option for an Orton opponent at WrestleMania 41 is Karrion Kross.

Fans have spent the last year watching Kross attempt to get other babyfaces to embrace their inner darkness, some with better results than others such as The New Day.

Orton has already shown signs of reverting back to the dangerous 2009 version of himself. Kross attempting to manipulate The Viper and drag him to his darkest depths, not only makes sense within the context of his own character but it could also set the stage for Orton's inevitable heel turn and feud with Cody Rhodes.

Considering the potential long-term effects the relatively thrown-together rivalry presents, it may be the best direction for WWE Creative to take on this short road to WrestleMania.