[REVISION HISTORY]

WWE Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton rivalry

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What changed

2026-11-02 19:15 UTC → 2026-11-07 10:25 UTC · added ~~removed~~

On the October 23 episode of WWE SmackDown, a Last Man Standing match was officially booked between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton for the upcoming Crown Jewel event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match follows a series of victories exchanged between the two competitors earlier in 2026. Leading up to the event, analysts noted potential challenges regarding audience reception. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio suggested that Orton’s status as a respected legend might make it difficult for crowds to react negatively to him, even though he is positioned as a heel for this specific storyline. This popularity could potentially complicate the intended narrative where Rhodes is the primary babyface. In a recent interview on WWE Countdown, Randy Orton stated his intent to win his 15th world championship by securing the Undisputed WWE Championship at Crown Jewel. Orton, who has not held a top title since October 2020, claimed he is finished playing games. He characterized his relationship with Rhodes as a mentor to a younger brother figure, while suggesting that Rhodes lacks the capacity to become a villain. To ensure victory, Orton vowed to increase the intensity of his physical attacks, specifically mentioning his signature punt kick.

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