Randy Orton Reveals Who He Wants to Face in the King of the Ring Finals

Randy Orton talked about his aspirations for the King of the Ring tournament this year ahead of Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.

Randy Orton Reveals Who He Wants to Face in the King of the Ring Finals

Randy Orton (via WWE)

Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn on SmackDown this week to advance to the finals of the King of the Ring tournament. Meanwhile, Jey Uso is set to face Cody Rhodes on this week’s Raw to determine the other finalist. Recently, Orton shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, revealing who he’d prefer to face in the finals between Uso and Rhodes.

During the SummerSlam Kickoff Show, Randy Orton expressed his respect for both Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes as competitors. However, he admitted that he’d prefer to see The American Nightmare in the finals over The Yeet Man. Orton explained his reasoning by saying he considers Cody like a brother—making it even more meaningful to defeat him on the road to capturing his 15th World Title in WWE.

He’s a brother I’ve said this multiple times, I love him like a brother. But I have also said a few times I will do whatever it takes to get to John Cena, beat John Cena and get number 15 around my waist. It’s a very hard question to answer, but if I gotta beat Jey or Cody I’m gonna go ahead and call it Cody how about we do that? I’d like to beat Cody.

Randy Orton said during SummerSlam Kickoff event

The former WWE Champion expressed his best wishes for both Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes, hoping they will continue to succeed and reach even greater heights in WWE. However, he made it clear to the WWE Universe that he’s determined to become a 15-time World Champion. And to keep that promise, he knows he’ll have to shatter someone else’s dream at Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia.

Moreover, The Legend Killer echoed a similar sentiment on SmackDown. Before defeating Sami Zayn, Orton assured him that his time as World Champion would come—but not at SummerSlam, as he planned to take that opportunity for himself. With his eyes locked on the King of the Ring finals, Orton appears more determined than ever.

Randy Orton wants to face John Cena at SummerSlam

Orton went head-to-head with John Cena at Backlash earlier this year, but a surprise interference from R-Truth led to a bitter loss for The Viper. That night, Orton made a bold promise: sooner or later, he would kick Cena in the head before his retirement.

Now, during the SummerSlam Kickoff event, Orton reignited that desire, making it clear that settling the score with The Franchise Player remains part of his SummerSlam plans.

Randy Orton and John Cena
Randy Orton and John Cena (via WWE)

The Legend Killer reiterated his vow to punt Cena’s head off his shoulders—a promise he made following their clash at Backlash. Although he failed to deliver the blow in St. Louis, that missed opportunity has only fueled his determination. Now, Orton has made it clear: he wants one final showdown with The Cenation Leader at SummerSlam before Cena is gone for good.

I gotta get in the ring with Punk before it’s all said and done, but I promised the WWE universe that I was going to remove John Cena’s head from his shoulders, and that’s what I gotta do. So the answer is John Cena, I wanna kick John Cena’s a**. I owe him one.

Randy Orton added

The Apex Predator also expressed his desire to face CM Punk before both men hang up their boots for good. However, for now, his focus remains on John Cena. Orton is rooting for Cena to win at Night of Champions, setting the stage for a long-awaited rematch at the Biggest Party of the Summer.

Randy Orton believes Cody Rhodes changed the industry after leaving WWE

Cody Rhodes left WWE in 2016 to “bet on himself” by venturing into the independent wrestling circuit. He competed in various promotions like RevPro and ROH before co-founding AEW alongside The Elite. However, in 2022, Cody made a monumental return to WWE with the goal of reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling.

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes [via- WWE]

Recently, Randy Orton praised The American Nightmare for his bold and courageous decision to leave the company in pursuit of something greater. During the SummerSlam Kickoff event, Orton thanked Rhodes for elevating the pro-wrestling industry forever.

Cody’s been doing his thing. He left, changed the entire industry for the better in my opinion and we thank him for it.

Randy Orton said during SummerSlam Kickoff

The Viper believes that no one can replicate the impact Rhodes has made since his return to WWE. Orton stated that Cody truly deserves all the success he’s achieved and called him the rightful “quarterback” of the company—not just for now, but for the years to come.

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