The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about the future of two iconic duos: New Day and Randy Orton. As the dust settles from WrestleMania 42, the focus shifts to the potential moves of Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, and the enigmatic Orton. Meanwhile, the Royal Rumble is set to return to Phoenix, Arizona, adding another layer of excitement to the ever-evolving landscape of professional wrestling.
New Day's Future: A New Chapter in AEW?
The New Day, a legendary tag team, is reportedly on the verge of a major move. With their 90-day non-compete clauses with WWE set to expire, the speculation is that they will join All Elite Wrestling (AEW). The internal reaction within AEW is reportedly overwhelmingly positive, with every anonymous source interviewed by Fightful Select expressing a desire to see the duo in the company. This sentiment is understandable, given AEW's emphasis on tag team wrestling and the opportunity to work with top talent like The Young Bucks and FTR.
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, who have enjoyed successful tenures with WWE, are reportedly considering a new challenge. Their decision to decline a pay cut, as reported by Bryan Alvarez, may have accelerated their departure from WWE. The New Day's potential move to AEW would be a significant development, marking a new chapter in their illustrious careers and adding further depth to AEW's already impressive roster.
Randy Orton's Hiatus and Return
Randy Orton, the legendary 'Viper', has been on a hiatus from WWE programming since his WrestleMania 42 main event loss to Cody Rhodes. However, his return is reportedly imminent. Orton is scheduled to appear on the May 29 episode of SmackDown in Barcelona, Spain, according to WWE.com. This appearance comes after a heated rivalry with Rhodes, which saw Orton turn heel and attack his friend. The addition of Pat McAfee as an ally and the involvement of country music star as Rhodes' ally have made for an intriguing storyline.
The May 29 episode promises to be a significant moment in Orton's career, as fans eagerly await his explanation for the events of WrestleMania 42. The 'Viper' has not been seen on WWE programming since his controversial actions, and his return to the ring will likely be a pivotal moment in the ongoing narrative.
Royal Rumble Returns to Phoenix
The Royal Rumble, one of the most anticipated events in professional wrestling, is set to return to Phoenix, Arizona, according to Alvarez. The 2027 Royal Rumble will be held in the city, marking a significant return to a location that has hosted the event twice before. The 2013 and 2019 Rumble events took place at the US Airways Center and Chase Field, respectively.
The choice of Phoenix is particularly intriguing, given the venue's capacity to accommodate over 50,000 fans. The Royal Rumble has traditionally been held in large baseball or football stadiums, and the 2021 event, held during the COVID-19 pandemic, was an exception to this trend. The return to Phoenix suggests a potential shift in the event's hosting strategy, and the city's enthusiasm for hosting major sporting events will undoubtedly contribute to the success of the 2027 Royal Rumble.
