The long-speculated answer to who was initially set to face Orton at WrestleMania 41 has finally surfaced, changing what fans thought they knew about the event’s lead-up. The revelation that Aleister Black—not Joe Hendry or Kevin Owens—was considered as Randy Orton’s original WrestleMania 41 rival has added an unexpected twist to the recent WWE storyline.
Aleister Black Confirmed as the Initial Opponent Considered for WrestleMania 41
The road to WrestleMania 41 took several turns earlier in the year, as Kevin Owens, who was originally lined up for a headline match, was sidelined after suffering a significant neck injury. With Owens forced to withdraw from competing on the grand stage in Las Vegas, anticipation grew over who would step in as Randy Orton’s challenger. Ultimately, it was Joe Hendry who made a surprise debut at WrestleMania to confront The Viper, storming the headlines and capturing attention worldwide.
However, a recent interview before Clash in Paris with Bernard Colas of Le10Sport unveiled the hidden discussions held behind WWE’s closed doors. Appearing as SmackDown’s latest addition, former AEW star Aleister Black shared that he was at one point under consideration as Orton’s WrestleMania adversary. The nature of the backstage talks, though, meant that plans shifted quickly as creative settled on a different direction.
During the interview, Black addressed the rumors surrounding his potential high-profile match:
“From what I’m told, there was a discussion about it. But for obvious reasons, it didn’t go any further because they had another plan. But the option was considered. It was a thought process like,
“What if we do it? Well, maybe not, okay.”
That’s all I heard. The fact that they discussed it at all is pretty cool. And I would have jumped at it with open arms because any time I get a chance to wrestle Randy, it’s a good time, because Randy, he’s… he’s Randy Orton, you know! He’s Randy Orton. At WrestleMania. How could I say no? You know what I mean? I’d be scared shitless, but I’d do it. It would be crazy.”—Aleister Black, WWE Superstar
The insight from Black confirms that the company weighed various possibilities, eventually opting for Joe Hendry’s debut clash against Orton at The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Aleister Black’s WWE Return and Career Shifts Since AEW Departure
After leaving All Elite Wrestling in the previous year, Aleister Black made a prominent return to WWE by appearing on the April 25th episode of SmackDown, signaling a new chapter in his Stamford-based journey. Though he did not face Orton at WrestleMania 41, Black remained active on the blue brand and got the opportunity to stand against Orton on June 13 during a King of the Ring fatal four-way match. In that high-profile bout, The Viper emerged victorious.
Black’s career trajectory has seen both momentum and challenges, with his recent matches reflecting the ever-shifting landscape of WWE rivalries and storylines involving notable names such as Randy Orton and Joe Hendry.
Mixed Reactions to Aleister Black’s Current WWE Run
Despite some initial successes following his SmackDown return, Aleister Black’s current position on the brand has generated heated debate. Lacking a major rivalry or pursuit of a championship, his presence has, according to some, risked blending into the broader roster. This sense of drift has sparked critical commentary from within the wrestling community.
During a recent episode of the Brodown podcast, seasoned wrestling veteran Dutch Mantell expressed skepticism regarding Black’s impact and ongoing storyline. Mantell stated:
“They’re pushing, this is a guy, what’s his name – Black? Aleister Black. Guys, I don’t get it. I don’t think you could get that guy over if you took him on a sixty-foot building and pushed him. And they pushed him for like at least five weeks. And when he goes to the ring, he’s just there. What is he? A heel or a babyface? What is he or is he just there?”
—Dutch Mantell, Wrestling Veteran
This pointed analysis by Mantell highlights a wider debate surrounding Black’s role, character alignment, and the general direction of his WWE run since rejoining the Stamford-based promotion.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of Black’s Revealed Opportunity
The disclosure that Aleister Black was the first contender considered for a WrestleMania 41 match against Orton rearranges perceptions of this year’s marquee WWE event. It underscores how quickly plans can evolve behind the scenes, informed by health setbacks like Kevin Owens’ withdrawal and the creative team’s recalibration that ultimately introduced Joe Hendry in a main-event spot. Key figures—among them Randy Orton, Joe Hendry, and Aleister Black—remain central to ongoing storylines, maintaining focus on the dynamic changes reshaping WWE’s narrative future. As the crowd, fans, and wrestling veterans continue to weigh in, Orton’s path, Black’s career, and the memories of events like Mania 41 signal that unpredictability remains at the core of professional wrestling’s appeal.
