Randy Orton finally explained his attack on Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam. On Friday’s SmackDown in Philadelphia, The Viper came face-to-face with his former ally and vowed to keep The American Nightmare from returning to the top of WWE.
Rhodes opened the show looking for Orton and demanding answers about the RKO at SummerSlam that paved the way for CM Punk to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship. Punk came out and denied any prior knowledge of the interference, even offering to help Cody find Orton. Rhodes declined, saying he wanted to handle it himself.
Orton made his way to the ring later in the night. Nick Aldis, referees, and officials surrounded the two before a fight could break out. Orton recalled that during the build to WrestleMania 42, Cody asked to face the best possible version of Randy Orton.
WWE @WWE Follow @RandyOrton and @CodyRhodes have escalated things to another level!
1:33 AM · Aug 8, 2026Orton said he gave Cody exactly that — and lost in the WrestleMania Night 1 main event. He said the loss caused something in him to snap, bringing back his more dangerous side. The Viper said his “best version” wasn’t going to be enough to win a 15th world championship, but his worst version could be.
Orton warned he’s coming for the Undisputed WWE Championship regardless of whether CM Punk or Kevin Owens holds the title, and vowed to do everything in his power to make sure Cody never becomes champion again.
Rhodes fired back, saying that without the responsibilities of being champion, he no longer has to “turn the other cheek.” He taunted Orton by asking what the worst version of Cody Rhodes would look like, then turned Orton’s “Legend Killer” moniker against him, calling Randy the last great legend left in WWE.