Cody Rhodes will challenge John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship in a Street Fight at SummerSlam next month, aiming to reclaim the title he previously lost. With momentum shifting in his favor, Rhodes is considered a strong contender to end Cena’s reign in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.
Overcoming a champion of Cena’s caliber is no simple feat, especially in a match type known for its chaotic and unpredictable environment. Street Fights allow no disqualifications, which often leads to outside interference. Randy Orton, a longtime ally of Rhodes and a key figure in WWE, might play a significant role in the outcome.
Orton and Rhodes share a history going back to their Legacy days and have demonstrated mutual support recently, making the possibility of Orton assisting Rhodes plausible. At SummerSlam, fans could see Orton intervene to thwart Cena’s attempts to retain the title through questionable means. However, Orton’s own motives are uncertain, given his reputation for surprising actions.
There is speculation that after helping Rhodes secure the championship, Orton might betray him with a sudden RKO and a punt kick, shifting his character’s alignment to a heel – a move rumored for SummerSlam. Such a twist would add dramatic complexity to the match and deepen the storyline surrounding the championship.
Potential Fallout: A New Rivalry Brewing Between Rhodes and Orton
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton rank among WWE’s top stars, and fans have long awaited a serious rivalry between the two on the main roster. Although they recently clashed at Night of Champions, a fully developed feud has yet to unfold. SummerSlam might finally act as the launchpad for this long-anticipated storyline.
With Rhodes favored to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship, Orton could soon emerge as his primary challenger on SmackDown. Both superstars have the qualities and history to sustain a high-profile feud that would attract considerable attention post-SummerSlam.
This storyline, arguably overdue, was expected to take shape during Rhodes’ earlier reign as champion but did not materialize. The creative direction under Triple H and WWE’s team may now prioritize developing this rivalry, possibly planting seeds for it during the SummerSlam event itself.
An Orton betrayal at SummerSlam would provide a natural and dramatic catalyst for a bitter conflict between the two, energizing the roster dynamics for the months to come. Yet, how WWE chooses to proceed remains uncertain, depending on the company’s carefully crafted plans.
