Randy Orton faced Drew McIntyre in the main event of SmackDown tonight, but the match ended in a strange and controversial way involving the referee. The incident unfolded as Orton attempted to deliver his signature move, a crucial moment that left fans puzzled. This unusual finish has raised questions about the direction of the storyline and Orton’s position in WWE.
Ongoing Rivalry Between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre
The rivalry between Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre has been escalating over recent weeks. Their conflict began before SummerSlam and has included other key figures such as Jelly Roll and Logan Paul. At SummerSlam, Orton teamed with Jelly Roll against McIntyre and Logan Paul, but the losing side was Orton’s team. Despite that setback, Orton remained determined to confront McIntyre.
Orton’s persistence was evident when he attacked McIntyre during one of McIntyre’s segments a few weeks ago, intensifying their feud. Their recent face-off ended in chaos, leading up to their decisive match at SmackDown, where they aimed to settle their differences once and for all.
Referee Intervenes as Orton Attempts Finisher
During the match, Randy Orton went for his famed punt finisher, but the referee unexpectedly stepped in to prevent it. When Orton proceeded toward McIntyre, the latter dodged the punt and inadvertently pushed Orton into the referee. Thankfully, Orton managed to avoid knocking out the official, but the distraction allowed McIntyre to capitalize and hit his Claymore Kick, securing the win over Orton.
Ric Flair Comments on Randy Orton’s Current WWE Status
Randy Orton remains a prominent figure in WWE history, having won the World Championship multiple times. However, it has been several years since his last singles title, which was the WWE Championship in 2020. In a recent interview with The Escapist, WWE legend Ric Flair suggested that Orton’s limited push might be related to backstage issues.
“I don’t know. I think maybe he made somebody mad along the way. Randy’s not afraid to say what he thinks, and that’s not always popular,” Flair said. —Ric Flair, WWE Legend
The comment implies that Orton’s outspoken nature could be affecting his standing within WWE, contributing to his reduced role on recent programming.
What This Means for Randy Orton’s Future in WWE
The ending of tonight’s match and Flair’s remarks add to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Randy Orton’s trajectory in WWE. As the company navigates its storylines and talent usage, the outcome of this rivalry with McIntyre and the reaction to the referee’s interference could influence Orton’s upcoming opportunities. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this storyline progresses and whether Orton can regain his former prominence.
