With a turn of events on WWE SmackDown, it has become clear that Randy Orton and Pat McAfee are poised to take WWE by storm.
As the road to WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas continues, there could be still more surprises to join their squad as Orton seeks to topple Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes.
Here are five more WWE stars that could join Randy Orton and Pat McAfee in a new faction.
5. Jelly Roll
The next reveal to link up with Randy Orton in his quest to claim the Undisputed WWE Championship could be musician Jelly Roll.
After the reveal of Pat McAfee as the mystery caller aligning with Randy Orton against Cody Rhodes, the next celeb that could get involved is Jelly Roll.
Orton actually attacked Jelly Roll on SmackDown last week, but it could be that after suffering that RKO, Jelly decides he’d rather be on Orton’s side than against him.
Pat McAfee has highly praised Jelly Roll in the past, so he would seemingly be keen to bring him on board.
4. Matt Cardona
Although Matt Cardona was attacked by Randy Orton, perhaps his recent interactions with Aleister Black will prove to push him over the edge.
Having returned as a babyface in his first few months back in WWE, there could be an interesting twist ahead for Cardona.
After highlighting his friendship with Cody Rhodes in an episode of Rhodes’ What Do You Wanna Talk About podcast, if Cardona were to turn on the current WWE Champion in Las Vegas, it could be very dramatic.
Potentially kicking off a brand new feud for Rhodes regardless of whether he wins or loses at WrestleMania 42, Cardona’s stock could be elevated to main event level by getting involved more in this feud and aligning with Orton and Pat McAfee.
3. Ric Flair
One legendary return to make his presence known at WrestleMania 42 could be Ric Flair.
There is plenty of history between Flair and Randy Orton, most notably stemming from their time in Evolution with Triple H and Batista.
Ric Flair is teaming up with notable name Diplo for a high-energy event at Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 18, 2026 so fans know he’s planned to be in town.
Able to be a shocking addition to the bout – pending any contractual hang-ups with AEW – there could be a really fascinating storyline that unfolds with the inclusion of the iconic Nature Boy.
2. Ted DiBiase Jr.
One reveal that some fans continue to speculate about for a new ally of Randy Orton would be the return of former Legacy stablemate of both Orton and Cody Rhodes – Ted DiBiase Jr.
In what could be a serendipitous bit of timing, DiBiase Jr was found not guilty on a number of criminal charges he faced in Mississippi related to a statewide welfare fraud scandal.
Announced as set to appear at over WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas at WrestleCon, fans took note that he would certainly be in town for the big event.
Potentially leading to a return to further betray Cody Rhodes, it would definitely be an intriguing swerve to see the former WWE star return to TV.
1. Kevin Owens
An exciting return that could join forces with Pat McAfee and Randy Orton could be Kevin Owens.
Out of action since before WWE WrestleMania 41 a year ago, Kevin Owens has a history of friendship with Randy Orton as well as a rival in Cody Rhodes.
Owens could serve as the best possible surprise return that could link up with Orton to return to action, even if his presence is mostly out of the ring until he recovers from his neck issues.
With a lot to add to the ongoing narrative even if he isn’t planning for in-ring action in the near future, Owens might be able to add a new layer of intrigue to the current road to WrestleMania 42.
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