Randy Orton, known for his unpredictable moves in the ring, has not competed since facing a heel John Cena at Backlash for the Undisputed WWE Championship, in a match where R-Truth interfered to deny Orton the win. Now, as anticipation builds for John Cena’s potential WWE SummerSlam title defense scenario, Orton’s next step could reshape several main event storylines.
This week on RAW, WWE announced that Orton will enter the King of the Ring Tournament qualifying rounds. Orton is slated to take on Carmelo Hayes, LA Knight, and Aleister Black on SmackDown, alongside notable competitor Cody Rhodes. Ever since WrestleMania 40, where Rhodes captured the championship, cameras have frequently caught Orton eyeing the belt, suggesting his focus remains on the title picture.
Potential Showdown Between Orton and Rhodes Looms Ahead
If both Orton and Rhodes advance through the qualifying matches, the stage is set for a high-stakes clash at Night of Champions on June 28. The rivalry has extra emotional weight, as Orton once mentored Rhodes during his early WWE career. This history is fueling speculation that Orton may choose this moment to undergo a major character shift and betray his former protégé.
This scenario aligns with current WWE storylines indicating that Cody Rhodes is the top contender to dethrone John Cena at SummerSlam. Should Rhodes emerge victorious against Orton, he would earn a title opportunity against Cena at the marquee event. Speculation now swirls that Orton could align himself with Cena in a dramatic heel turn, assisting Cena in a title defense in exchange for another future championship shot. While fans have long called for a return of Orton’s more villainous persona, WWE has yet to pull the trigger—making this summer a prime opportunity.
A Hall of Fame Wish Strengthens Cena-Orton Connection
Amid these swirling rumors, another angle emerged as Orton discussed his preference for John Cena to induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame during an interview with Adam’s Apple. Orton reflected on this possibility, showing his deep respect for Cena:
“My wife actually just brought that up the other day, and we were thinking about it, and we didn’t know who could be the guy, Hunter came up, Cena came up, Flair came up… I don’t know if I’d be able to get Cena to come in from Hollywood to do it, maybe he could do it virtually, I don’t know,” Orton said. [0:51 onwards]
—Randy Orton, WWE Superstar
The bond between Cena and Orton is well documented, with both athletes sharing fierce rivalries over the years but maintaining a strong friendship outside the ring. If Orton does indeed turn heel to help his longtime friend retain the championship, it would add a layer of complexity to their storied relationship and generate intense interest in WWE’s summer programming.
What Awaits the WWE Universe This Summer?
All signs suggest the coming months could produce one of the most dramatic WWE storylines in recent memory, with Randy Orton, John Cena, and Cody Rhodes positioned at its center. Whether the rumored heel turn occurs or not, fans are set for a tense, unpredictable buildup to SummerSlam, with the possibility of alliances shifting and legacies being shaped in the process. If Orton makes his move, the aftermath could rearrange the WWE title picture and push the rivalry among these top stars to new heights.
