Randy Orton, a former 14-time WWE world champion, has faced a series of setbacks in the past few months, frequently ending up on the losing side of significant matches. His performance at SummerSlam 2025, where he teamed with musician Jelly Roll against the team of Logan Paul and Drew McIntyre, resulted in a defeat for Orton’s side, underscoring his current downward trajectory. These difficulties suggest that Orton may be reconsidering his approach to regain momentum within WWE.
Hints of a Heel Turn to Revive His Career
The idea of Orton embracing a heel persona offers a strong avenue for reinvigorating his character in WWE. Signs point to this possibility as the Stamford-based company has recently removed him from television programming, potentially holding him off-screen until after the Clash of Paris 2025 event, which already features a packed card. WWE could use this break to reintroduce Orton with a villainous edge, potentially making him a fierce antagonist targeting key stars on SmackDown.
Rivalry with Cody Rhodes Could Fuel Orton’s Darker Side
At the Night of Champions 2025, Orton clashed with his former protégé, Cody Rhodes—known as the American Nightmare—in the King of the Ring Tournament finals. Rhodes emerged victorious in this intense singles matchup, marking a significant moment for both wrestlers. Following this loss, Orton might return with a new aggressive heel character and immediately set his sights on Rhodes, seeking revenge as Drew McIntyre has previously done, intensifying their rivalry.
Championship Ambitions May Become Ruthless
Orton has not held a major title for quite some time but has openly desired Rhodes’ championship in the past. His failed challenge against John Cena for the Undisputed Championship at Backlash 2025, despite fighting in his hometown, further highlights this gap in his recent success. A heel transformation would likely see Orton chase gold with renewed, merciless determination, breaking away from his previous restraint to pursue victory by any means necessary. While earlier speculation suggested Rhodes might turn heel himself, WWE‘s current direction shows no plans to turn their top babyface, making Orton’s potential villainous shift even more crucial to future storylines.
