Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are scheduled to team up on SmackDown this Friday in a tag team match against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, marking a significant build-up ahead of the upcoming Crown Jewel event where Rhodes will face Seth Rollins. This Randy Orton Cody Rhodes match promises action fueled by ongoing tension and recent confrontations between all involved parties.
Upcoming SmackDown Tag Match Announced by General Manager Nick Aldis
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis revealed a surprise collaboration with Raw’s Adam Pearce to organize a high-profile tag team bout. On October 3, Rhodes and Orton will join forces to face Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, who have recently been causing disruptions across both shows. Aldis explained that this match was arranged to address their continuous interference.
“Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker seem to enjoy getting involved in other people’s business as of late. And having just wrapped up a phone call with my esteemed colleague, Adam Pearce over at Monday Night Raw, we agreed that they can get involved in my business this Friday night on SmackDown.”
— Nick Aldis, SmackDown General Manager
The announcement follows a series of clashes where The Vision, Cody Rhodes, has come face to face with these antagonists multiple times, including a moment where Randy Orton unexpectedly intervened to assist Rhodes after an attack by Reed and Breakker. This alliance creates fresh dynamics as the rivalry between Rhodes and Rollins intensifies heading into Crown Jewel.
Ongoing Rivalries Impacting World Championships and Alliances
At Crown Jewel, Cody Rhodes is set to confront Seth Rollins, with both men holding world championship titles, vying for the Crown Jewel Championship. Their feud has deepened on recent shows, notably after Rhodes challenged Paul Heyman, which provoked a retaliatory ambush by Bronson Breakker and Bronson Reed. Orton’s intervention following this attack signals shifting loyalties and unexpected partnerships.
Adding to the tension, on Raw, Seth Rollins implied responsibility for Brock Lesnar reconnecting with Paul Heyman, asserting control over all major decisions. This declaration has further complicated the landscape for Rhodes, who remains steadfast in his championship pursuits.
Randy Orton’s Role and Recent Comments from His Family
Despite Randy Orton’s increasing involvement, his wife Kim Orton has publicly expressed frustration on social media, suggesting that her husband has been sidelined and overlooked by WWE. She pointed to several missed opportunities, including key events such as Raw’s Netflix premiere and WWE’s first broadcast on ESPN featuring Wrestlepalooza, implying the company has not given Orton the recognition he deserves.
This sentiment highlights an uneasy atmosphere behind the scenes, contrasting with Orton’s on-screen resurgence through his alliance with Rhodes.
Other Notable WWE Updates and Uncertainties
Alongside these developments, WWE continues to face questions and tensions in other areas. Bryan Danielson indicated changes he would require before returning to the ring, while a WWE Hall of Famer openly criticized the handling of a SmackDown match that collapsed. Vince McMahon reportedly issued stern warnings to a new faction to ensure their debut would be impactful or risk removal. Additionally, speculation builds over The Rock’s expected appearance at WWE WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, underscoring ongoing event uncertainties.
On the women’s division front, Chelsea Green has called for more prominent use of women’s titles on television, signaling a demand for improved visibility. Meanwhile, two WWE stars recently underwent official name changes on Raw, reflecting shifts within the roster. Oba Femi also received mentorship praise from a WWE Hall of Famer, who anticipates his immediate success despite recent setbacks.
Implications and What to Expect Next
The scheduled Randy Orton Cody Rhodes match on SmackDown offers a critical turning point as tensions rise before Crown Jewel. Their cooperation against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed may serve to unite top-level talent against emerging threats but leaves lingering questions about future rivalries and power dynamics within WWE’s championship scene. Observers will be watching closely to see how these alliances and confrontations evolve, as well as whether Rhodes can secure victory over Seth Rollins at Crown Jewel to further consolidate his standing.
SMACKDOWN NEWS 🚨@RealNickAldis has huge news for THIS FRIDAY… @CodyRhodes & @RandyOrton will team up to take on The Vision’s @bronbreakkerwwe & @BRONSONISHERE! pic.twitter.com/zzjN4v3y6x
— WWE (@WWE) September 30, 2025
