Randy Orton’s return to active competition is set for tonight’s episode of WWE SmackDown, as he is scheduled to participate in a first-round match for the 2025 King of the Ring tournament. This marks his first contest since a loss to John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Backlash on May 10.
Originating from the Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, the broadcast will feature Orton in a demanding Fatal 4-Way match. His opponents in this opening-round clash will be LA Knight, Aleister Black, and Carmelo Hayes. The winner of this bout is slated to advance to the tournament’s semi-finals to face Sami Zayn.
The King of the Ring tournament action on the blue brand will also include a second blockbuster Fatal 4-Way. That match will see Cody Rhodes, Andrade, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Damian Priest compete for a spot in the semi-finals against the winner of a future match featuring Rusev, Jey Uso, Sheamus, and Bronson Reed.
Parallel to the men’s tournament, the quest for the Queen of the Ring will also unfold. One of the women’s qualifying matches pits Charlotte Flair against Chelsea Green, Candice LeRae, and Alexa Bliss. The victor of that encounter will move on to challenge the winner of a future match between Asuka, Ivy Nile, Stephanie Vaquer, and Raquel Rodriguez.
A second Queen of the Ring qualifier is also scheduled for later in the evening, featuring Jade Cargill, Nia Jax, Piper Niven, and Michin. The winner of that contest will earn a semi-final match against Roxanne Perez. Both the King and Queen of the Ring will earn a championship match at SummerSlam, with the tournament finals taking place at Night of Champions.
In addition to the tournament matches, tonight’s program is also scheduled to feature appearances by John Cena and Naomi, as well as a promo segment involving Jacob Fatu.
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