Randy Orton believes 26-year-old SmackDown Superstar is the next WWE breakout star

Speaking of his WWE run, he certainly failed to carry on the momentum after defeating John Cena at WrestleMania 39. After losing the title to Rey Mysterio, he focused on re-building himself but never found the desired connection with the audience. The 26-year-old star finally struck a partnership with Grayson Waller, which has helped him improve tremendously.

My eyes are on Austin Theory...Not only from a talent standpoint, he's got a great look, he's gotten better on the mic, the more opportunities he has, the more he'll thrive, I've talked to the guy, he's on a level...When I was his age, he's nothing like that, he's way more mature. He's got the world by its balls...Randy Orton via Adam’s Apple podcast

They finally got their success, as they were able to clinch the SmackDown Tag Team Championships in a six-pack ladder match at WrestleMania XL. The duo went on to successfully defend their titles against The Street Profits and L.W.O. Having said that, it will be interesting to see what steps SmackDown GM Nick Aldis takes to find new worthy contenders.

Kevin Owens expressed his opinion about teaming up with Randy Orton

When Tama Tonga and Solo Sikoa launched an attack on Kevin Owens, it looked like The Prizefighter was going to fight this battle alone. However, Randy Orton saved KO against the new version of The Bloodline. As such, Owens revealed what it was like to team up with The Apex Predator.

While speaking on the recent episode of The Bump, the 39-year-old star stated that it was an honor for him to have somebody like Orton as his partner. Owens considered The Viper to be an all-time great and said that teaming up with him at Backlash made his day extra special.

Just getting to team with Randy at all is something so amazing to me, the chance I have to get to have him as my partner for anything. So that made Saturday extra special.Kevin Owens on Randy Orton via The Bump

The duo fought against The Bloodline’s Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga in a Street Fight match at Backlash. Although for the most part they dominated the match, at the end, Tonga Loa‘s distraction was enough for Solo to take advantage and pick up a victory for his team.