On WWE SmackDown in recent weeks, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have been working together, united against their common foes in The Vision faction. Their alliance also carries a history, as Orton once served as Rhodes’ mentor during their time together in the Legacy faction shortly after Rhodes made his WWE debut. However, tensions appear to be rising between the two, with Paul Heyman foreshadowing on the October 3 SmackDown episode that their partnership will not endure, describing this as
“not a prediction, but a prophecy.”
Past Encounters Hint at Orton’s Possible Betrayal
Looking back, signs have long suggested Randy Orton could be the one to turn heel against Cody Rhodes, especially given Orton’s established history in villainous roles. During WWE Night of Champions in June, the pair faced off in the King of the Ring finals. Rhodes secured the win after Orton chose not to deliver a punt to Rhodes’ head, indicating hesitation. Since that match, Orton has shown a fixation on Rhodes’ WWE Title, often caught eyeing it during broadcasts.
Crown Jewel Event May Reveal Further Tensions
Fans anticipate that the upcoming Crown Jewel event in Perth could escalate the storyline between Orton and Rhodes. Rhodes is scheduled to compete against Seth Rollins in the main event, likely to involve interference from The Vision faction. Orton is expected to intervene, either supporting Rhodes to maintain their alliance or potentially betraying him by executing a surprising RKO, planting further doubt about his loyalty. This possible action could mark the official start of Orton’s heel turn, intensifying their rivalry.
Implications for WWE Storylines and Rivalries
If Randy Orton proceeds with a heel turn against Cody Rhodes, it will significantly shift WWE SmackDown’s dynamic. Their former mentor-mentee relationship adds emotional weight to the storyline, promising to captivate audiences and redefine character alignments. Such developments often lead to intense rivalries and fresh plot directions, setting the stage for new matches and alliances. Fans and analysts alike will be watching the Crown Jewel event closely to see if Orton’s rumored betrayal comes to fruition and how Rhodes will respond.
Paul Heyman’s Forewarning Adds Drama to the Feud
“not a prediction, but a prophecy.”
– Paul Heyman, WWE Executive
