Why Randy Orton Could Finally Turn On Cody Rhodes in WWE

Cody Rhodes began a heated rivalry with Drew McIntyre after SummerSlam 2025. On August 8, McIntyre launched a vicious attack on Rhodes, leaving him sidelined and absent from WWE television.

In subsequent weeks, McIntyre verbally tore down Rhodes, accusing him of cowardice and calling him out for his absence. On the August 22 episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton finally stepped up for his old friend and former tag partner Cody Rhodes by delivering a sudden RKO to Drew McIntyre out of nowhere. Since The American Nightmare remains off TV, this moment hinted at a potential upcoming feud between Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton, as tensions build within WWE’s top stars.

Speaking on Notsam Wrestling, Sam Roberts predicted that Cody Rhodes would soon return to WWE. Roberts suggested Rhodes might come back around Clash in Paris or shortly afterward, potentially interfering in Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre’s ongoing rivalry. With Logan Paul possibly aiding McIntyre, Roberts believes Rhodes will get involved to assist The Viper or disrupt their singles match and seek revenge on The Alpha.

I think that Randy versus Drew will be the match that happens when Cody returns. Cody will somehow, I don’t know if Logan Paul interferes on Drew’s behalf. Maybe this happens the week after Clash in Paris, the Friday after. That way, Logan is kind of done with John Cena; he can go back to helping Drew McIntyre. I mean, Logan Paul. Yeah, he’s done with John Cena.

He can go back to helping Drew McIntyre, and then or not, you know, whatever. Drew McIntyre is just doing some kind of cheating, and Cody comes back to help Randy Orton. You know, Cody returns.

Either Cody returns to help Randy Orton, or Cody does to Randy basically what Punk did to LA Knight, which is jump into the match, you know, cause a no contest, but get his revenge on Drew McIntyre and Randy Orton’s not going to be that mad about it because it’s not a title match, just a match with Drew McIntyre. (From 25:03 to 25:57)

Randy Orton Could Betray Cody Rhodes For the World Title

Sam Roberts further speculated that a future twist could see Randy Orton turning heel on Cody Rhodes. If the WWE Undisputed Champion were to defeat The Scottish Warrior in a singles match with Orton’s support and then refuse to grant Orton a title shot later, tension would rise. This could spark a rivalry between Orton and Rhodes, with The Apex Predator shifting to a villainous role.

If Cody were to beat Drew, and even after Randy had his back like that while he was gone, Cody still doesn’t give Randy Orton a title shot. Well, now you’ve got the basis for a potential rivalry, although that means turning Randy Orton heel. (From 31:38 to 31:53)

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