WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Randy Orton teases Nick Aldis match at WrestleMania 41

Orton is determined to compete at WrestleMania in Las Vegas by any means necessary

Randy Orton refuses to miss out on WrestleMania 41. Last week, Kevin Owens announced that he'd need neck surgery and forced to bow out of the event. His withdrawal left Orton without an opponent. Orton demanded a solution on Friday's episode of WWE SmackDown.

This year's WrestleMania holds special significance to Orton. Competing in Las Vegas next week would mark Orton's 20th WrestleMania appearance. It's not in the cards right now, but Orton is determined to make it happen by hell or high water. If that means dragging SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis out of retirement, so be it.

SmackDown also featured appearances by undisputed WWE champion Cody Rhodes, WWE women's champion Tiffany Stratton and the second match of WWE's newest superstar, Rey Fenix.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of all the action from Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

Orton makes last-ditch efforts to get on the WrestleMania card

Aldis kicked off SmackDown, inviting Orton to join him. Aldis was instructed to remain professional despite Orton RKOing him last week. Orton looked into Aldis' eyes and discerned that Aldis took last week's attack personally. Orton argued they were even after Orton paid his fine. Orton wanted to discuss WrestleMania 41. Orton should be competing in his 20th WrestleMania next week, but he's without a match after Owens' injury. Orton said he is willing to wrestle anyone, even Aldis.

Aldis worked tirelessly for 20 years to reach the WWE. Regarding the fine, Aldis does not want Orton's money, he wants Orton's respect. Orton said Aldis earned his respect a long time ago, but he's unsure if he can adequately apologize to Mickie James, Aldis' wife, for what he'll do to Aldis if left off WrestleMania.

Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga arrived before things escalated. The Bloodline demanded Orton leave the ring so they could shift focus to Jacob Fatu's United States title match against LA Knight. Orton responded by sparking a brawl. The Bloodline was getting the better of Orton until LA Knight made the save. This led to Aldis booking a tag team main event.

LA Knight and Randy Orton def. The Bloodline (Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga) via pinfall after Knight hit Tonga with the BFT. The four superstars engaged in a solid but unspectacular TV main event. Post-match, Orton and Sikoa brawled to the back. Back in the ring, "The Samoan Werewolf" Jacob Fatu feasted on Knight. Fatu attacked Knight after the bell, laying him out with three jumping moonsaults.

SmackDown was underwhelming without many compelling storyline developments. WWE teased two possible WrestleMania opponents for Orton: Sikoa or Aldis. Hopefully, Aldis gets the opportunity to make his in-ring WWE debut at WrestleMania. It's the more compelling option. It would be very cool to see Aldis, a 20-year veteran, have his first WWE match at WrestleMania. Grade: B

What else happened on WWE SmackDown?

• Bayley & Lyra Valkyria def. Pure Fusion Collective (Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark), Maxxine Durpi & Natalya, Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, B-Fab & Michin and Secret Hervice (Piper Niven and Albya Fyre) in a gauntlet match. Bayley and Valkyria will now challenge Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE women's tag team championships at WrestleMania.
• Drew McIntyre viciously attacked Damian Priest, smashing his head into LED monitors and giving him a Future Shock DDT onto steel steps. McIntyre suggested adding a street fight stipulation to their WrestleMania match.
• Rey Fenix def. Berto via pinfall with a Mexican Muscle Buster. Post-match, Santos Escobar tried to curry favor with Fenix.
• Zelina Vega def. Chelsea Green via countout.
• Cody Rhodes hyped up his match with Cena at WrestleMania.
• Tiffany Stratton def. Roxxane Perez via pinfall after landing the Prettiest Moonsault Ever. Post-match, Charlotte Flair beat down Stratton.