With Randy Orton’s continued absence from WWE TV, it could be that he is quietly assembling a brand new heel faction ready to strike.
From current main roster stars who haven’t been seen in some time to NXT call-ups that could be the perfect fit — Randy Orton could immediately create a dastardly new faction for SmackDown.
Here are eight WWE stars that could join a new Randy Orton heel faction.
8. Austin Theory
One potential returning heel that fans continue to wonder about is the status surrounding Austin Theory.
Austin Theory has been out of action since July 2025 with the explanation of his absence coming in a quick backstage segment with Grayson Waller reporting to the New Day that he was injured and their tag team broke up.
In recent months it was reported that Theory was set to take part in the men’s WarGames match at WWE Survivor Series 2025 on the heel team led by Seth Rollins. However, after Rollins was taken out of the match due to injury it seems the entire team was reconfigured.
Possibly finding a new faction with a veteran heel leader to usher him into the ranks of the most evil men in WWE — Theory’s character could end up thriving under the tutelage of Randy Orton in a totally new way.
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7. Ricky Saints
Although he has been presented as a babyface star since debuting in NXT, there is definitely a heelish side to Ricky Saints that is wildly entertaining.
While Ricky Saints remains the NXT Champion for the time being, he certainly could be ready to move no to the main roster for the right storyline.
Potentially pitting him against real life pal Cody Rhodes, if Orton were to recruit Ricky Saints in his heelish intentions — it would certainly add insult to injury.
Bringing charisma, style and savage insults in addition to his in-ring skills, Saints could develop the role of the man on the mic within the group of heavy hitters.
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6. Myles Borne
A natural choice for a Randy Orton faction whether it is babyface or heel is NXT star Myles Borne.
Boasting a striking resemblance to The Viper, Borne hasn’t been shy about paying homage to the legendary Orton through his move set.
Able to join the main roster with Orton touting him as a mini-me, it would be a very interesting emotional storyline to see Borne gain his own identity.
Bringing along his own compelling backstory (having experience partial deafness since infancy) as well as powerful persona, Borne’s time on the main roster could be coming soon.
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5. Axiom
With Candice LeRae recently unmasking Axiom during a tag team bout between Fraxiom and #DIY, it could be that a new character is coming soon for the Spanish star.
Previously competing in NXT UK under the name A-Kid, he hasn’t always been shrouded under a mask of secrecy.
Potentially able to keep the two characters separate through being an unmasked heel who retains the right to turn babyface and put his mask back on — linking up with a dastardly veteran could be the next step for Axiom.
Able to strike out on his own as a singles performer, Axiom would have a built in rivalry with Nathan Frazer — unless of course Orton was lucky enough to snag both former NXT Tag Team Champions to make for an even more threatening group.
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4. Omos
A WWE talent that could benefit from a brand new alliance on the main roster is Omos.
While he made his return in AAA and won the Copa Bardahl match at TriplemanÃa XXXIII, he’s mostly seen house show action since.
Being an amazing surprise addition to almost any WWE stable, there is so much more left for Omos to accomplish on-screen.
With clever comedic timing in addition to his dominating stature, the 7 foot 3 inch tall star has a giant personality that hasn’t been captured in his WWE character yet. With Omos recently confirming that he had re-signed with WWE, hopefully he will be involved in a new story soon.
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3. Uriah Connors
While Uriah Connors remains a member of Chase U in NXT, it is possible that some fans are already familiar with his work on the indies.
Going by his former name of Brogan Finlay, the real life son of Fit Finlay could be an amazing addition to a Randy Orton heel faction.
Coming with minimal baggage in terms of NXT character but with maximum skills as yet to be shown, Connors would be a solid fit for a technical force.
Bonus points if Orton also brings along the likes of Charlie Dempsey or Lexis King and creates a new generation of Legacy.
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2. Brooks Jensen
A potential heavy hitting multi-generational star that could find himself joining the ranks of a new heel stable with Randy Orton is Brooks Jensen.
With a dominating frame billed at 6 foot 5 inches tall and 250 pounds, his strength combined with impressive agility for his size has been coming in handy as of late.
Joining the NXT invasion of TNA Wrestling, Jensen has already been showing off his skills as a threatening singles force after previously being in groups.
Linking up with Randy Orton, Jensen could be cast as a silent but violent force that is a brutal addition to the group.
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1. Carmelo Hayes
A current SmackDown star that might make the ideal ally for Randy Orton is Carmelo Hayes.
After an impressive performance against GUNTHER in the Last Time Is Now tournament, it seems that Hayes is definitely ready for a bigger role on the main roster.
Potentially benefiting the most from linking up with a veteran, Hayes could be an incredible force for the Randy Orton faction but also come into his own as a main roster character through the process.
Boasting solid in-ring skills in addition to being equally threatening on the microphone, Carmelo Hayes is full of untapped potential waiting to be revealed.
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