Randy Orton WWE future is under speculation after Cody Rhodes suggested that the legendary wrestler’s career might be nearing its conclusion. Their longstanding relationship, spanning mentorship and rivalry, recently rekindled on WWE SmackDown, though Rhodes expressed uncertainty about future team-ups with Orton during a recent interview.
The Legacy of Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes in WWE
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes share a deeply intertwined history within WWE, rooted in family wrestling legacies and shared experiences. Their connection dates back to 2008 when Orton, famously known as The Viper, spearheaded The Legacy faction, which featured multi-generational wrestlers. Alongside Orton, the group included Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr., both continuing the tradition as second-generation stars.
In recent months, the duo has reunited on WWE SmackDown, cooperating to fend off formidable opponents such as Drew McIntyre and The Vision. Their most recent tag team match, held on October 3, 2025, saw them face The Brons — Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker — but the match ended in defeat, partly due to interference from World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins.
Cody Rhodes Discusses the Possibility of Randy Orton’s Retirement
Despite the visible camaraderie displayed during recent events, Rhodes voiced mixed feelings about the longevity of this partnership. In an interview with Local 12, the WWE Undisputed Champion reflected on Orton’s future and compared it to John Cena’s announced final year in wrestling, indicating that both legends may be approaching the end of their in-ring careers.
“When I say we don’t know how much longer we have, a lot of it stems from the fact that John Cena has made it so clear this is it, this is the final year.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
Rhodes elaborated on the nature of wrestling being a young man’s sport and how veteran performers increasingly treat retirement announcements with seriousness. He suggested that stepping away while wrestling is thriving across many platforms allows stars like Cena and Orton to walk away with a sense of fulfillment.
“A lot of wrestlers when they’re saying, ‘Hey I’m out,’ they’re meaning it more than ever, solely because it’s a young man’s game – not that that really affects either of those two guys, but at a certain point, you can step out and say, ‘Hey, this thing is in the best place it’s ever been, wrestling is everywhere across so many different platforms, I can walk away satisfied.’” Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
He acknowledged Orton’s impressive career accomplishments, highlighting his proximity to Cena’s record number of championships, which adds gravity to the retirement speculation.
“John with the record number of championships and Randy actually quite close.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
Reflecting on their future opportunities to perform together, Rhodes conveyed a sense of finality, doubting that fans will witness more of their classic old-school tag team bouts.
“I just get the sense we won’t get the opportunity to tag. Good old fashioned, old school tag team wrestling. I just get the sense we won’t get to do that again.” Cody Rhodes, WWE Undisputed Champion
Current Context of WWE Storylines and Key Wrestlers
While the future of Orton’s career remains uncertain, WWE continues to develop storylines featuring other prominent talents. The Brons, composed of Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker, have recently made a strong impact in tag team competition. Meanwhile, other notable developments include Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels being recognized as the greatest WWE Superstar by a former rival, emphasizing Michaels’ lasting influence on the company.
In addition, WWE saw Andrade capture his first championship since departing the company on September 13, showing that talent can thrive both inside and outside WWE’s traditional platforms. Injuries also remain a challenge, as a recent star suffered a foot injury during an appearance at another wrestling promotion, causing an extended absence.
Implications of Orton’s Potential Retirement on WWE’s Future
Randy Orton’s possible retirement would mark the end of an era for WWE. As one of the company’s most iconic figures and a close contender to John Cena’s championship record, his departure could create space for younger wrestlers to rise. Cody Rhodes’ remarks highlight the emotional and practical considerations wrestlers face when deciding to step away, especially as the sport evolves across multiple platforms and attracts new audiences worldwide.
For fans, this could mean fewer appearances from “The Apex Predator” in WWE storylines, possibly signaling a transition to mentorship or other non-wrestling roles within the company. It also raises questions about the future of traditional tag team wrestling, a format that Rhodes fears may become less frequent in major WWE events.
