Randy Orton refuses to miss out on WrestleMania 41.

In the latest episode of WWE SmackDown, Randy Orton voiced his determination to compete at WrestleMania 41, emphasizing the significance of this year’s event being his 20th appearance. After Kevin Owens’ neck surgery left Orton without an opponent, he confronted General Manager Nick Aldis, demanding a match. The tension showcased Orton’s eagerness while also hinting at a possible comeback narrative for Aldis, who Orton suggested might need to step back into the ring himself. The episode featured several noteworthy moments, such as a women’s tag-team gauntlet match. This gave an engaging spotlight to female superstars, highlighting the potential for further development in their storylines leading up to WrestleMania. A particular focus was on Lyra Valkyria and Bayley, who showcased impressive performances to earn a title shot. Drew McIntyre's rivalry with Damian Priest escalated as their match was formalized as a Sin City Street Fight at WrestleMania, resulting in a brutal pre-match attack and a building narrative that captivates viewers' interests. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes delivered a powerful promo that emphasized his title claim against John Cena, weaving in personal narratives that resonate with the fans, further heightening the stakes for the upcoming WrestleMania. Overall, the show maintained a solid balance between developing key storylines, setting up anticipated matches, and providing exciting in-ring action. However, the lack of clarity about Orton's immediate future in the storyline left some questions about his trajectory heading into WrestleMania, which could require tighter storytelling next week. While the episode was comparatively engaging, it did feel like a few segments fell flat, lacking the compelling storytelling the WWE often aims for in the lead-up to such a monumental event. Still, the anticipation remains high for WrestleMania 41, especially with the undertones of potential returns and climactic finales in various story arcs.