The first night of WWE WrestleMania 42 is just a few hours away. The promotion has revealed its ‘Mania stage and received mixed reactions online.

For those who might not know, WrestleMania on Saturday will be headlined by Cody Rhodes defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. The Viper will be accompanied by Pat McAfee for the matchup.

It’s crucial to note that during SmackDown this week, McAfee signed a contract with general manager Nick Aldis ahead of their ‘Mania match without reading the document. Amid this, a Wrestling Observer Newsletter report claimed that The Apex Predator is “hurting” entering this year’s Showcase of the Immortals. The report said he is suffering from an undisclosed physical issue.

The development has sparked speculation that Orton might get replaced at the last moment. Though it’s unlikely, this article will look at four last-minute replacements for Orton in case he is unable to compete at The Show of the Shows.

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#4. Pat McAfee

Since their initial interaction, Pat McAfee has been incorporated into the feud between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes as a main player. Some fans felt that WWE had sidelined The Viper many times and put McAfee in the spotlight.

In case The Legend Killer is unable to compete at The Grandest Stage of Them All, the former color commentator is the ideal name to step up and replace him. McAfee competing against The American Nightmare as Orton’s potential replacement makes sense.

However, if this happens, then The Prodigal Son is likely to retain his Undisputed WWE Championship.

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#3. WWE veteran The Rock

After Pat McAfee was revealed as Randy Orton’s mystery caller, many fans speculated that The Rock could be the real mastermind in this entire storyline. Recently, the Stamford-based promotion incorporated parent company TKO into its Orton-Rhodes-McAfee angle.

As The Final Boss is on TKO’s board of directors, his return at WrestleMania 42 aligns with the storyline. Also, The People’s Champion had a heated history with The American Nightmare.

At WrestleMania 40, the Hollywood star pinned Cody Rhodes in a tag team match. A singles showdown between them will not be a massive surprise but will generate significant post-show buzz.

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#2. Kevin Owens

It’s been a long time since Kevin Owens has competed for the sports entertainment juggernaut. The Prize Fighter is on hiatus due to a real-life injury. Last time he competed in World Wrestling Entertainment was at Elimination Chamber 2025, where he defeated Sami Zayn in an unsanctioned match.

It’s interesting to note that the former Universal Champion had an intense rivalry with Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare locked horns with Owens on multiple occasions.

In case Randy Orton fails to compete at WWE WrestleMania on Saturday, Kevin Owens might return as his last-minute replacement. Meanwhile, it’s only possible if K.O. gets medically cleared by the doctors.

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#1. Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns’ name on this list could be a surprise for many. The Original Tribal Chief is already set to lock horns against CM Punk on WM Night 2 on Sunday in a World Heavyweight Championship bout.

The only reason why The Head of the Table might replace The Apex Predator on Saturday is if he wants to become a double champion again. Already, the WWE Universe is linking The OTC with Pat McAfee and Orton as part of a potential TKO alliance in the company.

Considering this, McAfee might bring Reigns as Orton’s replacement to destroy Cody Rhodes and dethrone him as the Undisputed Champion.