Cody Rhodes has suggested a surprising name for a tag team with Randy Orton, stirring curiosity among WWE fans. The moment occurred during the latest WWE SmackDown event held in Orlando, where both wrestlers made a dramatic appearance in a segment that hinted at an alliance.
During the show, Paul Heyman, acting as the spokesperson for World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins, was delivering a promo when Cody Rhodes, the Undisputed WWE Champion, interrupted. Their upcoming confrontation at Crown Jewel on October 11th, where the victorious wrestler will receive the Crown Jewel Championship and a ring, added tension to the segment.
Key Moments from SmackDown: Rhodes and Orton Join Forces Against Opponents
Cody Rhodes confronted Paul Heyman, calling attention to Heyman’s alliance with Brock Lesnar. Though Heyman tried to steer clear of the topic, Rhodes remained resolute. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed soon arrived to support Heyman, but Rhodes faced them alone. Despite being outnumbered, Rhodes launched a fierce attack, punching both men and avoiding a powerful splash from Reed.
As the brawl escalated, Randy Orton’s music played, and The Viper entered the ring. Together, Rhodes and Orton delivered a series of blows against Reed and Bron. Orton even stunned Bronson Reed with an RKO, while Rhodes took Bronson out with a clothesline. In a significant moment, Orton handed the WWE Championship belt he had just picked up to Rhodes as they stood tall, signaling a strong united front.
Though no official tag team match was announced during this encounter, the chemistry between Rhodes and Orton suggested that a partnership might be on the horizon.
“Candy”: The Proposed Name for Rhodes and Orton’s Tag Team
Following the show, Cody Rhodes took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a potential team name for his pairing with Randy Orton: “Candy.” This name cleverly merges the first letters of Cody and Randy, creating an unexpected but catchy moniker.
“CANDY#smackdown” — Cody Rhodes, WWE Superstar
Despite the playful nature of the name, it remains uncertain if “Candy” will become official. However, Rhodes’ public promotion hints that he is keen on this team identity, which may become clearer should they face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed in an official tag team match soon.
Cody Rhodes Views Bron Breakker as a Rising WWE Star
The segment on SmackDown also featured an intriguing dynamic between Cody Rhodes and Bron Breakker, two wrestlers from wrestling families with promising futures. Though Breakker primarily competes on Raw and Rhodes is mainly on SmackDown, the two have begun to cross paths more frequently, raising the prospect of future high-profile matches.
In a recent interview, Cody Rhodes praised Bron Breakker’s potential, describing him as a future main event star who could headline WrestleMania and claim the WWE title.
“He’s (Breakker) the future of WWE. He’s definitely someone that we are positioning to be there as we go, and I mean main event at WrestleMania potentially, the big-big stuff, win the WWE title all these things. But watching him be interviewed is fun because it’s a little new to him. So, seeing this guy who barks and spears people at 3 million miles an hour just kind of lock in… it’s so, it’s making my day because I already know. I already know this guy’s probably gonna beat me at some point down the road.” — Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion
Overview of the Upcoming Crown Jewel Event Highlights
The upcoming Crown Jewel event on October 11th promises several significant championship matches. The headline contest features Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Seth Rollins, who holds the World Heavyweight Championship. Notably, this bout will unify the titles, awarding the winner with the Crown Jewel Championship and an accompanying ring.
Other major contests include the women’s championship rivalry between WWE Women’s Champion Tiffany Stratton and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer. Additionally, John Cena is set to square off against AJ Styles, adding further star power to the event.
Additional Wrestling Updates and WWE News
Separate from the Rhodes-Orton storyline, WWE has witnessed a series of notable developments. The Undertaker recently apologized to fans for certain actions during his celebrated career, reflecting on his time in the ring. Meanwhile, a former champion won her first WWE match in 480 days during SmackDown, marking a significant comeback.
Brock Lesnar, who had a dominant return at SummerSlam 2025 by defeating John Cena, also secured a victory against “The Champ” at Wrestlepalooza, further solidifying his place in WWE’s current hierarchy. However, reports suggest some uncertainties regarding Lesnar’s future with the company.
Other headlines include a major WWE star returning to SmackDown after nearly a month and immediately confronting Drew McIntyre. The show additionally announced at least two championship matches on the September 26th lineup, maintaining high stakes for viewers.
Elsewhere, a WWE wrestler revealed adjustments made to their training to accommodate appearances in Mexico’s AAA wrestling promotion. Also, the close friendship between one wrestler and Cody Rhodes was highlighted, shedding light on personal bonds behind the scenes. Lastly, a former WWE manager made a shocking allegation concerning Stephanie McMahon, though details remain sparse.
Significance of the Rhodes-Orton Team and Future Prospects
The hinted alliance between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton presents a compelling development in WWE’s tag team scene, especially given their combined stature and fanbase. Their surprising teamwork during SmackDown, coupled with Rhodes’ proposal of the “Candy” team name, suggests this partnership could be a storyline to watch closely moving forward.
If an official tag team match materializes, the duo could make a significant impact by challenging established pairs like Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. Furthermore, Rhodes’ recognition of Breakker as the company’s future underscores WWE’s shifting landscape, where new stars rise as veterans forge new alliances. The high-profile matches scheduled for Crown Jewel will further shape WWE’s championship landscape and ongoing storylines.
CANDY#smackdown
— Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) September 27, 2025
