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AJ Styles has been the WWE Champion for over a year now and has defeated several superstars during his lengthy title reign. The Phenomenal One has defeated Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Baron Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Daniel Bryan and Samoa Joe since winning the title for the 2nd time in his career. He has also defeated the Miz, Andrade Cien Almas and other SD Live superstars in non-title matches.
However, there has been one heel with whom AJ hasn't crossed paths and he is none other than the Viper Randy Orton. The two have clashed once in the ring in the past but Orton was a face then.
His newly found heel persona has helped sky-rocket him back to the SmackDown upper mid-card and re-establish him as one of the most relevant superstars on the brand. The Grand Slam champion recently had an epic feud with Jeff Hardy where he crossed every limit to inflict damage to the Charismatic Enigma, establishing himself as the top antagonist on Tuesday nights.
Given recent booking decisions, it looks as though Orton is set to feud with the recently returned Rey Mysterio next, with the feud probably culminating at TLC. To make the match more interesting, though, WWE Creative could add a #1 contender's stipulation for this match where the winner would face AJ Styles at the Royal Rumble event. The Apex Predator would defeat the master of 619 at the event, winning the match after some assistance from US Champion, Shinsuke Nakamura.
This would move Mysterio into the US title picture and set up a match between Randy and AJ Styles at the Rumble. The feud between Orton and Styles could cross all limits as Styles is hugely over as a face while Orton wants to destroy all the WWE crowd favorites.
The reason why Orton should win the WWE title is that it would add the potential of another match between the two superstars at WrestleMania. Not only would we get a fresh feud but the WWE Championship picture will also receive a much-needed change since Styles has had quite a long reign with the belt. WWE Creative could have Styles earn his rematch by booking him to win the Elimination Chamber match or it could be any way the WWE Creative team wants.
Given the lack of depth in the SmackDown roster, Styles vs Orton seems to be their best main event option for WrestleMania 35. And for that match to draw more eye-balls, WWE needs to put the belt on the Apex Predator at the Royal Rumble pay-per-view.
Do you think Randy Orton should win the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble 2019? Share your opinions in the feedback section below.
