As the WWE gears up for SummerSlam next month at MetLife Stadium, uncertainty looms regarding who will succeed John Cena as The Rock’s next corporate representative. With Cena set to retire by the end of the year, the WWE universe wonders who will fill the void. At the same time, Cena faces his most formidable opponent yet, as Cody Rhodes challenges for the Undisputed WWE Championship in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
The Rock, absent from WWE since the Elimination Chamber event, appears poised to disrupt the status quo by potentially introducing Randy Orton as his new corporate man. Orton, known as The Apex Predator, recently displayed unexpected support for Cody Rhodes following their King of the Ring final match, intensifying speculation about his alliances and future intentions.
Randy Orton’s Emerging Role Amidst Cody Rhodes’ Title Pursuit
Randy Orton surprised fans on the latest SmackDown by encouraging Cody Rhodes to defeat John Cena at SummerSlam. Despite his recent loss to Rhodes, Orton’s backing seemed genuine, marking a shift from his usual antagonistic persona. Before this, Orton hinted at a heel turn involving his infamous Punt Kick, a move he deliberately held back from using on Rhodes at Night of Champions. The suggestion of turning villainous signals a dramatic evolution for Orton’s character that many expect to unfold soon.
Speculation runs high that Orton might initially appear to aid Rhodes by fending off interference from Cena’s allies, including Travis Scott or Logan Paul. However, Orton’s true intentions could reveal themselves in a shocking twist where he delivers an RKO to Rhodes, setting the stage for Cena to pin him. This scenario would pave the way for The Rock to announce Orton as his successor, fundamentally altering the dynamics ahead of the SummerSlam showdown.
Upcoming Clash Between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre at Saturday Night’s Main Event
Adding to the tension, Randy Orton is scheduled to face Drew McIntyre on July 12 during WWE’s Saturday Night’s Main Event at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. McIntyre has recently returned after almost a month’s absence, making his presence felt by taunting Orton. He mocked Orton’s failure to use the Punt Kick on Cody Rhodes and ridiculed Orton’s surgically repaired back, further fueling their rivalry.
After urging Cody Rhodes to overcome Cena at SummerSlam so that McIntyre could challenge Rhodes for the title afterward, McIntyre was interrupted by Orton, who swiftly countered with an RKO. This exchange of promos has set a fiery tone for their upcoming match, with McIntyre officially requesting the contest through SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis, who sanctioned it for SNME.
The Significance of These Developments for WWE’s SummerSlam
The evolving alliances and rivalries add layers of unpredictability to this year’s SummerSlam event. Cody Rhodes’ pursuit of the Undisputed WWE Championship against John Cena is now enmeshed in a complex web of potential betrayals and surprising partnerships. If The Rock indeed unveils Randy Orton as his new corporate man, it could significantly shift power within WWE, reshaping future storylines and championship battles.
With Orton’s hinted heel turn and his upcoming clash with McIntyre, fans are left on edge, uncertain about who will emerge dominant. SummerSlam will likely be a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter post-Cena’s career, with The Rock playing a crucial role behind the scenes.
“I could have done it (Punt Kick on Cody) but I decided not to.” —Randy Orton
“Beat the hell out of John Cena at WWE SummerSlam.” —Randy Orton
“He couldn’t hit his Punt Kick on Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions.” —Drew McIntyre
“Beat Cena at SummerSlam so he could later defeat him for the Undisputed WWE Championship.” —Drew McIntyre
