Randy Orton faces crowd reaction challenges ahead of Crown Jewel

WWE wrestler Randy Orton is set to face Cody Rhodes in a Last Man Standing match at the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia. Despite Orton being positioned as a heel for this feud, industry analysts suggest that his long-standing popularity may make it difficult for audiences to react negatively toward him.

Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio noted that Orton has become such a respected legend that fans often support him regardless of his role in a storyline. This presents a challenge for WWE, as the company intends for Rhodes to be the primary babyface in the confrontation. Meltzer suggested that Orton might receive significant cheers from the international crowd, potentially complicating the intended narrative of the match.