Nobody in their right mind would refer to Randy Orton as sane, at least in kayfabe. Going by the moniker of ‘The Viper’, Randy Orton has a vicious and sadistic side to him, that has translated into some of the most uncomfortable moments in sports entertainment. However, this time he’s going against a man, who commands the forces of evil, in Bray Wyatt. Unfortunately, this is a war that will be waged in Wyatt’s own playpen - The House of Horrors.
These two men are in different brands, yet their animosity is so strong, they need a final confrontation to settle their rivalry once and for all. So much so, that this match (thankfully for Jinder Mahal) is not for Randy Orton’s WWE Championship either. What twisted surprises await us at the House of Horrors, this Sunday? Let’s speculate and think of five distinct possibilities.
5: Sister Abigail rewakens
Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt were once allied and were once unstoppable. They even became the SmackDown Live tag team champions. Unfortunately, that friendship was damaged forever, when Randy Orton decided to burn down The Wyatt Compound, after gaining Bray Wyatt’s trust. Incidentally, the compound was the same place where Sister Abigail, a mythical figure that Bray Wyatt keeps alluding to, had been buried long ago. Through this act of arson, Sister Abigail was vanquished.
In the House of Horrors, we feel she may reawaken once again, as one assumes that one has to suspend disbelief in such an environment. Some possible contenders for this role could be Nikki Cross or Ruby Riot from NXT (both of whom have got a ‘crazy and strange’ gimmick going on), or even Mika Rotunda, Wyatt's real life sister who recently tried out for WWE. Whatever the case may be, Randy Orton isn’t getting out easy. Run!
4: Crazzy Steve debuts
We recently learned that Crazzy Steve would no longer be part of Impact Wrestling, fueling speculation that he may be coming to WWE. While it is more likely that he joins NXT at this juncture, there would be an overload of supernatural/anarchy based characters in the brand then, considering SAnitY is already playing the gimmick in the developmental brand. This would be a great way to introduce Steve to the audience and if there's anyone who belongs in a world called The House of Horrors, it’s the former member of Impact Wrestling’s heel faction – Decay.
Sure, one may argue that he’ll be NXT bound first, but we’ve seen many superstars bypass NXT to get into the main roster like AJ Styles, Gallows and Anderson. WWE thrives on surprises these days, and a character like Steve is bound to be a big one! Yet another scenario where Randy Orton is bound to lose, unfortunately.
3: The real Wyatt family reunites
Bo Dallas, one of NXT’s most celebrated champions, has not fared as well in the main roster, despite being pushed during his debut. From the mid card to the absolute lowest rung of the card, to being written off TV forever, Bo Dallas has not had the career he’s dreamed of. All of that could change if he allies himself with his real brother- Bray Wyatt inside the House of Horrors.
Their shared bloodline is not something WWE has touched upon. This will not only revitalize Dallas but Wyatt too, who’s been cutting the same cryptic promos every week, without any effect. By taking out Randy Orton (one assumes the loss of Sister Abigail affected Dallas too), Bo could help Wyatt win and symbolically start the new ‘Brothers of Destruction’, now that The Undertaker has retired and Kane is eyeing the political chair. Poor Randy Orton!
2: One last Wyatt family reunion again
Luke Harper as a babyface occupies a strange position on SmackDown. He's cleaned up his look, but because of his gimmick, it'll be impossible for him to go all out babyface. However, an alliance with Rowan could actually integrate him into the tag team division and help elevate both men. What if, Luke Harper, on sacred ground, pledges his allegiance to Bray Wyatt and ends up turning on The Viper?
This could be one last stand for The Wyatts with Wyatt, Harper and Rowan aligned one last time before they go their separate ways on separate brands. It would be ‘payback' for Randy Orton splitting up the unit, in the perfect environment- the morbid House of Horrors. So far, in all our scenarios, Randy Orton loses.
1: Randy Orton pulls off a true miracle
Never rule out Randy Orton. So far it seems like Bray has this grueling contest won (especially since the title is not on the line). However, WWE lives for the mantra of ‘expect the unexpected’ these days. For all you know, Randy Orton has the match under control. Maybe the horrors inside the grim house eventually turn upon the patriarch of the Wyatt Family. Maybe Orton has Bray's number after all.
We find out in just a few hours on WWE Payback. Stay tuned for our live coverage of the event.
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