WWE is reportedly using the current Rhodes-Orton feud to keep both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton away from Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk for now. The idea is to save Punk’s matches against Rhodes and Orton for bigger events.
According to Dave Meltzer on Tuesday’s Wrestling Observer Radio, WWE doesn’t plan to put Rhodes or Orton back in the immediate title picture. Meltzer explained that Punk can work with other names while WWE holds off on those two matchups.
Meltzer named Sami Zayn and Gunther as possible opponents for Punk during that stretch.
Also per Meltzer, Rhodes and Orton both wanted to work together again, which made the decision to extend their feud easier. Both are expected to circle back to the Undisputed WWE Championship when WWE decides the time is right.
Wrestle Features @WrestleFeatures Follow The Rhodes vs. Punk match & Orton vs. Punk match is being saved for a bigger show.
(WOR)
7:48 AM · Sep 8, 2026The Rhodes-Orton rivalry picked up a new chapter at WrestleMania 42 on April 18, when Rhodes defeated his former mentor and retained the Undisputed WWE Championship. After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes with a Punt Kick.
Months later, CM Punk won the title and faced Rhodes at SummerSlam on August 2. Punk retained after Orton returned during the match and hit Rhodes with an RKO, allowing the champion to finish the challenger with a GTS.
The interference kicked off the latest chapter of the Rhodes-Orton rivalry. The two met again at Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6 in Atlanta, where Orton capitalized on Rhodes’ hesitation, hit a low blow and then an RKO to pick up the win.