Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes revealed on The Pat McAfee Show this week that he will reunite with Randy Orton in a tag team match scheduled for the October 3, 2025, episode of Friday Night SmackDown. This match marks a deeply personal occasion for Rhodes, who regards the reunion as a tribute to Orton’s longstanding influence on his career.
Rhodes and Orton’s connection dates back more than 15 years when they were both members of the faction Legacy, alongside Ted DiBiase Jr., during the late 2000s. While their paths have since diverged—Orton becoming one of WWE’s most decorated champions and Rhodes rising through different ranks—the players’ relationship remains significant in their shared wrestling journey.
The Significance of the Tag Team Reunion
On Friday, Rhodes and Orton will face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in a bout that extends beyond competition, symbolizing mutual respect and a nostalgic nod to their past. Rhodes described Orton as a mentor and expressed the importance of revisiting their partnership before Orton’s eventual retirement.
It’s Randy Orton, somebody who was a mentor to me in the game,
Rhodes said.
And—no spoiler—Randy is… we don’t know how much longer Randy is going to be doing this. I don’t want that to creep up on me if we didn’t get one more good old-fashioned Mega Powers-style tag with the guy who is partially responsible for me ever getting anywhere in WWE.
—Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Rhodes referenced the iconic “Mega Powers” team from the 1980s, highlighting the personal meaning this reunion carries for him. Orton, a 14-time world champion, has faced serious injury challenges recently, including a near career-ending back injury in 2022, making this pairing even more poignant.
Upcoming Wrestle and Career Milestones
This tag match also arrives at a pivotal moment for Rhodes, who is gearing up for a major champion vs. champion confrontation against World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins at WWE Crown Jewel on November 8. The bout with Orton represents a rare chance for these former stablemates to work side by side once again, possibly marking their last appearance as partners in the ring.
For both wrestlers, this reunion symbolizes a milestone in their lengthy careers within WWE, underlining shared legacies and enduring respect. Fans can anticipate a meaningful encounter in the ring that celebrates the history between Rhodes and Orton as well as their contributions to the sport.
