# WWE Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton rivalry > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wwe-cody-rhodes-and-randy-orton-rivalry > Updated: 2026-08-31T03:52:28.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 5. The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton has escalated into a high-stakes conflict following Orton’s SummerSlam return, where an RKO on Rhodes allowed CM Punk to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. While Rhodes was scheduled to team with Oba Femi for a World Tag Team Championship match against Bron Breakker and Austin Theory in Boston, his focus has shifted toward Orton. Following a confrontation in Boston where Orton attacked Rhodes and disrupted a match against Sami Zayn, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis officially booked Rhodes against Orton for the inaugural ‘Sunday Night’s Main Event’ special on September 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. This matchup serves as a significant rematch following their encounter at WrestleMania 42. The feud took a personal turn during the August 28 episode of SmackDown, when Orton directed insults toward Rhodes’ family, including his wife, Brandi Rhodes, and his mother, as well as comments regarding his dog, Pharaoh. Rhodes has responded by criticizing Bob Orton Jr. To prevent further escalation, Aldis has imposed strict conditions: if either competitor engages in physical contact before the scheduled event, both will be barred from receiving future Undisputed WWE Championship opportunities. Speculation regarding the September 6 match at State Farm Arena includes several outcomes, such as a second victory for Rhodes, a no-contest result, a potential heel turn by Rhodes, or a clean victory for Orton. The event will feature musical performances from Quavo, who will perform an unreleased track from ‘QROMELIFE’, and an in-ring debut by Lil Yachty against Baron Corbin. Additionally, WWE has released official merchandise through a collaboration with Magic City Atlanta, including a licensed hoodie. ## Claims - Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are scheduled to compete against each other at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta on September 6. (corroborated by 3 sources) - SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis ruled that Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton will not receive another WWE title opportunity if they engage in physical contact before their match. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Randy Orton directed personal insults toward Cody Rhodes’ mother and wife during a SmackDown segment. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Randy Orton made verbal comments regarding Cody Rhodes’ dog, Pharaoh. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-31: WWE announces Atlanta event details and unique merchandise WWE’s Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta will feature Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton, a musical opening by Quavo, and unique merchandise collaborations with Magic City Atlanta. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wwe-announces-atlanta-event-details-and-unique-merchandise ### 2026-08-27: Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton set for high-stakes WWE clash Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes prepare for a high-stakes match at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event following a heated personal confrontation on SmackDown. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cody-rhodes-and-randy-orton-set-for-high-stakes-wwe-clash ### 2026-08-15: Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton set for WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are set to face off in a one-on-one match at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6 in Atlanta, Georgia. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cody-rhodes-and-randy-orton-to-face-off-at-wwe-sunday-nights-main-event ### 2026-08-12: Cody Rhodes to team with Oba Femi for Tag Team Championship match Cody Rhodes is set to team with Oba Femi for a World Tag Team Championship match at SmackDown, while his ongoing rivalry with Randy Orton intensifies. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cody-rhodes-to-team-with-oba-femi-for-tag-team-championship-match ### 2026-08-02: Randy Orton's Return at SummerSlam Derails Cody Rhodes' Victory Randy Orton returned at SummerSlam, RKO'd Cody Rhodes, costing him the win and aiding CM Punk's title defense, sparking a new rivalry. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/randy-ortons-return-at-summerslam-derails-cody-rhodes-victory --- Cite as: WWE Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton rivalry. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wwe-cody-rhodes-and-randy-orton-rivalry