The 2025 King of the Ring came to a dramatic conclusion as Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton, shattering Orton’s hopes to claim the crown in Saudi Arabia. The tense showdown, featuring two seasoned WWE competitors, unfolded on Friday’s SmackDown and at the Night of Champions event, drawing focus to the ongoing rivalry and the repercussions of Orton’s choices during the match. The Randy Orton King of the Ring storyline remains at the heart of WWE fans’ attention as the saga continues.
Orton’s Motivations and Past Rivalries Fuel the Showdown
Randy Orton arrived at this year’s King of the Ring with two pivotal ambitions: to rewrite history after his loss to Gunther in the previous tournament final, and to secure a chance at redemption against John Cena, who had delivered a stinging defeat to Orton in his hometown of St. Louis during May. Facing Cody Rhodes, Orton made clear his determination for victory, refusing to let personal ties interfere with his quest. Before the match, Orton addressed Rhodes directly:
“I’m going to tell you, out of respect, face to face, man to man, there is nothing, there is no single thing that I won’t do to make sure I leave Saudi Arabia with that crown atop my head,”
—Randy Orton, WWE Superstar
The Unraveling of Orton’s Resolve
Despite his adamant words, Orton’s actions in the ring spoke differently. At Night of Champions, Orton’s promised resolve began to crack. He hesitated at a key moment, pausing before executing a move that could have secured him victory. That hesitation—whether born out of respect, uncertainty, or conflicting emotions—offered Cody Rhodes the opportunity to turn the match in his favor. Rhodes recovered swiftly, rallying back and seizing the momentum as the crowd watched the tide turn.
Later, Orton resorted to underhanded tactics, using a steel chair to distract the referee while he tampered with the ring’s turnbuckle padding. Yet, even this risky maneuver backfired, as Rhodes managed to dodge imminent danger and sent Orton crashing into the exposed steel. With a decisive Cross Rhodes move, Cody secured the pinfall, leaving Orton stunned as WWE recognized Rhodes as King. The defeat left Orton visibly frustrated and the audience speculating about the future of their relationship.
Shifting Dynamics and Foreshadowing New Conflicts
Orton and Rhodes have shared a complex dynamic throughout 2024, with WWE frequently hinting at a possible heel turn by Orton against Rhodes, then still the Undisputed WWE Champion. However, the tension had never erupted—until now. The look of disappointment and anger on Orton’s face during Rhodes’ coronation hinted that their rapport may be coming apart, paving the way for a deeper feud to unfold.
During the pivotal match, Cody Rhodes displayed uncharacteristic aggression, targeting an injured Orton’s back after a punishing superplex. Rhodes showed little hesitation, focusing on Orton’s vulnerability while still adhering to most rules. This strategic tenacity stood in stark contrast to his approach at WrestleMania 41, where an ill-timed hesitation brought him defeat at the hands of John Cena. Now, with SummerSlam and a possible Cena rematch on the horizon, Rhodes seems more focused and relentless than ever.
The Road Ahead for Orton, Rhodes, and WWE
Yet as WWE prepares for its next chapter, the unresolved tension between Orton and Rhodes signals more drama on the horizon. The intensity of Orton’s glare during Rhodes’ crowning moment suggests that the rivalry is far from finished, and WWE’s new king may still have obstacles to overcome if Orton chooses to pursue retribution. Meanwhile, John Cena remains another looming figure, as both Rhodes and Orton have scores to settle with him following critical losses earlier in the year.
The outcomes at King of the Ring and Night of Champions not only changed the landscape of WWE’s title scene, but also set the stage for escalating confrontations among its biggest stars. As the dust settles, the Randy Orton King of the Ring saga remains deeply unsettled, promising more twists as the rivalry between Orton, Rhodes, and their contemporaries continues to evolve before SummerSlam and beyond.
