The apparent alliance between WWE stars Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton could soon face upheaval, as emerging signs point toward a possible betrayal. This potential shift may shake up storylines in WWE, where their friendship has been a key element since Rhodes’ return.
Both performers have a history dating back to their time in Legacy, yet their paths diverged when Rhodes left for AEW before returning to WWE as a star of greater stature. Meanwhile, Orton continued to dominate with multiple championship wins. Although they currently collaborate against factions like Seth Rollins’ Vision and Solo Sikoa’s group, tensions may soon surface, hinting at a dramatic turn.
Growing Doubts About Orton’s Loyalty
During their feud before WrestleMania 41, several WWE heels questioned Randy Orton’s true allegiance, casting doubt on his motives concerning Cody Rhodes. Kevin Owens openly criticized Orton for not viewing Rhodes as a genuine contender, accusing The American Nightmare of skating by due to his favored status. Owens’ frustration extended to Orton’s alliance with Roman Reigns, despite the Bloodline intimidating figures like Owens and Orton for years.
Similarly, Drew McIntyre suggested that Rhodes was prioritizing his own ambitions, especially regarding the Undisputed Championship, instead of truly supporting Orton. With multiple competitors voicing such concerns, these accusations may be striking a nerve with Orton and foreshadow a possible split.
Orton’s Defeat to Rhodes in the King of the Ring Finals
The 2025 King of the Ring Tournament finals featured a high-stakes match between Rhodes and Orton, with the winner earning a chance to challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE title at SummerSlam. While Orton restrained himself from delivering a potent punt to Rhodes, Rhodes aggressively targeted Orton’s injured back. Ultimately, Rhodes secured the victory, preventing Orton from advancing.
This loss carries weight beyond the tournament; Rhodes later reclaimed the Undisputed title from Cena, intensifying Orton’s disappointment. The friendly rivalry between the two may soon give way to deeper conflict if Orton’s competitive instincts overshadow their partnership.
Signs of Stagnation in Orton’s Face Role
Randy Orton’s current role as a face appears increasingly ineffective and repetitive. While his fan base remains loyal and passionately engages with his entrance theme, Orton’s behavior often mirrors that of an anti-hero who targets referees, officials, and backstage personnel as adversaries. This approach blurs the lines between hero and villain in his persona.
Orton’s battles against many of SmackDown’s current heels place him firmly in Rhodes’ ongoing feud with The Vision faction, but this addition has not revitalized his character. Experts suggest Orton needs a significant transformation, as his current portrayal lacks freshness and may push him toward adopting a more villainous role.
The Drive to Recapture the Undisputed WWE Title
Randy Orton’s recent WWE trajectory centers heavily around his quest to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship, highlighted by several pivotal matches. In 2024, Orton fell short against Gunther in the King of the Ring but still earned a title match afterward. This year, Orton again reached the King of the Ring finals but lost to Rhodes, missing an opportunity for retribution following a humiliating defeat to John Cena at Backlash, held in Orton’s hometown.
These setbacks weigh heavily on Orton’s mindset, likely stirring frustration with his secondary role beside Rhodes. Though Orton recently rescued Rhodes and held the WWE championship for an extended period, the partnership seems to benefit Rhodes more, offering Orton little in return beyond support. This imbalance could prompt Orton to rebel, opening new narrative directions.
“When more than a few people say the same thing, there may be a shred of truth to the claims.”
— Matthew Serocki, Sports Journalist
The buildup to an Orton betrayal carries immense storytelling potential, affecting the WWE landscape significantly. Any fracture in the alliance with Rhodes could lead to fresh rivalries, redefined character arcs, and high-stakes confrontations, making this a storyline to watch closely in the coming months.
