Randy Orton King of the Ring 2025 semi-final win has set up the veteran WWE Champion for another title shot, but this booking decision leaves some fans and experts questioning WWE’s long-term plans. The outcome unfolded on the June 20 segment of WWE SmackDown, as Orton overcame Sami Zayn to secure his place in the KOTR final, ensuring potential storylines take a familiar and possibly predictable turn.
Orton’s Semi-Final Success and Tournament Implications
The match between Randy Orton and Sami Zayn kept fans guessing, featuring a competitive exchange that highlighted both competitors’ talents. Known as The Viper, Randy Orton used his extensive in-ring experience to edge past Zayn and advance to the King of the Ring final. This victory means Orton now waits to see if he’ll face Jey Uso or Cody Rhodes, who will compete in the other semi-final for a spot in the final at the 2025 Night of Champions.
With this win, Orton’s road to title contention continues, emphasizing a narrative WWE has revisited throughout the year. Meanwhile, fans anticipate a possible classic encounter between Orton and Cody Rhodes, with many seeing this potential match-up as a high-profile contest suited for special events.
Why WWE’s Booking May Be a Misstep
There are compelling reasons why Orton’s victory in the King of the Ring 2025 semi-final might ultimately prove disadvantageous for WWE’s creative direction.
First, a showdown between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is frequently discussed as a dream scenario within the Stamford-based promotion. Supporters and insiders have described their teacher-versus-student rivalry as one that could headline even an event as significant as WrestleMania due to their storied past. However, fast-tracking this confrontation in the King of the Ring context could dilute its eventual impact, particularly if not built up thoughtfully over time.
Secondly, the booking leans toward predictability. Most observers expect Cody Rhodes to defeat Jey Uso in their forthcoming semi-final and advance to meet Orton, given their shared history. Anticipation may wane when outcomes are easily forecasted rather than suspenseful, which can affect interest in the remainder of the tournament.
Lastly, there is the question of storyline consistency. Orton recently faced John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship at the Backlash Premium Live Event in his hometown of St. Louis, billed as their last in-ring meeting. Despite this, Orton’s character swiftly refocuses on Cena upon his return to SmackDown, making narrative sense difficult to justify. Meanwhile, rumors have surrounded Sami Zayn about a possible character shift, promising an intriguing and fresh direction had he advanced to the finals instead.
Predictable Paths and Missed Creative Opportunities
Orton’s advance to the King of the Ring final shapes the likely finale—a contest with Cody Rhodes—long before it unfolds. Both superstars share a rich narrative, but fans and pundits alike acknowledge that keeping Sami Zayn in the mix would have injected more intrigue and uncertainty. With news swirling about Zayn’s potential to shift allegiances, a win for him might have kept viewers guessing about not just the KOTR tournament, but evolving rivalries within WWE.
Furthermore, Randy Orton already received considerable attention for his involvement with John Cena at a previous Premium Live Event, leaving some questioning whether Orton’s extended run in this tournament adds meaningful value or merely telegraphs another step toward a Rhodes rematch.
What’s Next as the Tournament Concludes
Now that Randy Orton has secured his place in the King of the Ring final, eyes turn to the outcome of Cody Rhodes versus Jey Uso and whether WWE will deliver the anticipated teacher versus student clash at the 2025 Night of Champions. As anticipation builds, questions linger about whether WWE has missed a chance for creative surprises and risked a more formulaic finish to its high-profile tournament.
