Cody Rhodes is set to defend the WWE Crown Jewel match against Seth Rollins, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at the upcoming Crown Jewel Premium Live Event. The bout not only features high stakes but also involves mounting tension surrounding Randy Orton, who might influence the outcome in unexpected ways.
Details Behind the Championship Clash at Crown Jewel
Rhodes earned the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating John Cena at the SummerSlam Premium Live Event, a victory he solidified by successfully defending the title against Drew McIntyre at Wrestlepalooza. This chain of events has culminated in a match against Seth Rollins, the current World Heavyweight Champion known as The Visionary, who claimed his title at SummerSlam by cashing in his Money in the Bank contract on CM Punk.
The rivalry has intensified as Orton, who serves as Rhodes’ real-life mentor, has become entangled in the narrative. Both men have faced Rollins and share their personal grievances with The Visionary. Orton recently teamed with Rhodes on WWE SmackDown to face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed but fell short in that encounter.
The Growing Speculation of Randy Orton’s Potential Betrayal
In the span of the past year, Randy Orton has hinted at making a move for the Undisputed WWE Championship himself. Fans have been vocal about wanting him to turn heel by betraying Rhodes, adding more intrigue to their partnership. This possibility looms large going into Crown Jewel, where Orton’s involvement could become a pivotal factor, especially if he inadvertently or deliberately costs Rhodes the championship.
Criticism of Recent Storylines Involving Rhodes and Orton
Despite the buildup, some voices within the wrestling community have expressed dissatisfaction with how the angle between Rhodes and Orton has been handled. Vince Russo openly criticized a recent WWE SmackDown segment where Paul Heyman insinuated that Orton was an unreliable partner for Rhodes.
“How many times are we gonna play the card, you’re boy, Paul Heyman, ‘Can we really trust Orton?’ How many times are we gonna play that card? How many times are you gonna have Big Purse go down there and try to buy the services of Ram Head?”
— Vince Russo, wrestling personality
Russo highlighted the repetitiveness of the storyline, suggesting that the persistent questioning of Orton’s loyalty diminishes its impact and may frustrate viewers.
Ongoing Rivalry Between Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins
Rhodes and Rollins have met on several occasions before, with Rhodes emerging victorious in most of their encounters. This history intensifies their forthcoming match at Crown Jewel, which poses a significant test for both competitors, given the championship stakes. The match is expected to be tightly contested, especially given the personal and professional rivalries at play.
Potential Impact of Orton’s Role at Crown Jewel
The possibility that Randy Orton may interfere in the championship match adds an unpredictable layer to the event. Should Orton decide to shift his allegiance and act against Rhodes, it could dramatically alter the outcome and narrative trajectory surrounding the Undisputed WWE Championship. Given Orton’s history with Rhodes as a mentor, such a turn would carry considerable emotional and storyline weight.
Furthermore, the handling of this angle has generated notable interest, as it could mark a major character development for Orton, whose fans have long speculated about a heel turn. The Crown Jewel event thus serves as a crucial moment not only for Rhodes and Rollins but also for Orton’s potential transformation within WWE storylines.
