Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton: A Tense Wrestling Rivalry

The relationship between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton has been marked by tension since Orton’s return to ‘Friday Night SmackDown,’ reigniting his rivalry with Rhodes, also known as the ‘American Nightmare.’ Their conflict escalated to the point where SmackDown GM Nick Aldis intervened, stipulating that they couldn’t physically confront each other until their scheduled match at Sunday’s Main Event in Atlanta. Violating this condition would have barred them from competing for a WWE championship.

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton were seen speaking during an episode of SmackDown at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, on August 28, 2026, as portrayed by WWE (via Getty Images). In their last face-to-face encounter, Orton tried to provoke Rhodes by describing him as an ‘addict’ and ‘sick’ due to his unwavering ambition to become champion. This type of provocation is common in professional wrestling.

Rhodes responded to Orton’s comments in an interview with OutKick Dropkick. He explained, ‘He had said, ‘‘addicted to winning the championship’’ and ‘‘sick’’ and putting it in front of everything.’ He seemed to be trying to bait me into action that would cost me the chance at the WWE championship.’ Rhodes highlighted his past victories over Orton at key events, such as the King of the Ring and WrestleMania. He expressed his persistent drive to win and questioned wrestlers who don’t aim for the title.

Cody Rhodes was seen at SummerSlam too, held at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn., on August 1, 2026 (WWE via Getty Images). He critically pointed out that the real ‘addiction and sickness’ might be Orton’s, as he nears significant records and benchmarks in WWE history, aspiring to be acknowledged among the greatest. Rhodes noted that Orton’s legacy would include being defeated for the third time at Sunday Night’s Main Event by his mentee.

Rhodes has been actively involved with OutKick Dropkick through his partnership with Clash of Clans and its event titled ‘Search for Cena.’ He is determined to reenter the competition for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Their upcoming match could clarify championship dynamics as Money in the Bank approaches. Orton is set to face Rhodes during WrestleMania 42: Night 1, occurring on April 18, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev. (WWE via Getty Images).

Sunday Night’s Main Event promises other exciting contests, including a six-woman tag team match featuring Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley against Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab, a match between Baron Corbin and Lil Yachty, and a bout between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker.

The article was composed by Ryan Gaydos, serving as a senior editor for Fox News Digital.