Randy Orton Explains Why He Needs to Become King of the Ring Over Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions

Randy Orton revealed why he's pushing so hard to become the 2025 King of the Ring against Cody Rhodes at WWE Night of Champions.

Randy Orton Explains Why He Needs to Become King of the Ring Over Cody Rhodes at Night of Champions

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes [via- WWE]

The stage is set for the King of the Ring tournament finals in Riyadh. At Night of Champions, last year’s runner-up, Randy Orton, will look to bury the ghosts of 2024 against longtime friend and former protégé Cody Rhodes. They met on this week’s SmackDown to exchange some words ahead of their highly anticipated showdown on Saturday.

The Viper explained that he’s seeking redemption for coming up short against Gunther in what was a controversial finish to the match. The match referee’s blip in concentration inadvertently cost Orton the KOTR crown that went the Austrian’s way. Another big reason for WWE’s legend killer to chase his first-ever King of the Ring glory is John Cena.

Orton asserted taking retribution for what happened last time when he shared the ring with The Cenation Leader at Backlash. The Apex Predator is irate that Cena disrespected him in front of his wife and kids that night in his hometown of St. Louis. After that, the 14-time world champion reaffirmed the brotherly bond he shares with Rhodes, but regurgitated that it wouldn’t stop him from doing whatever it’d take to oust The American Nightmare.

Rhodes noted that he’s grateful for every piece of advice that Orton has ever bestowed on him, but he wanted his mentor to know that he’s a bit more ravenous to make the KOTR crown his own. The winner of Orton vs. Rhodes will take on the Undisputed WWE Champion in a title match at SummerSlam. Both these men have their reasons to claim that spot, but only one of them will go through.

Cody Rhodes has a greater motivation to go after the Undisputed WWE title

Heading into this year’s WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes was the Undisputed WWE Champion, and he dropped the title to John Cena. The conclusion to their underwhelming match featured Travis Scott when the entire Allegiant Stadium was hoping for The Rock to come out. Even though Cena got to his seventeenth world title, the booking was all over the place, and WWE faced the music for it.

Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes (via- WWE)

The Franchise Player has not been dethroned ever since that point on. However, the only blemish in his ongoing run came when he got pinned by Rhodes in a tag team match at Money in the Bank. Outside of that, the Hollywood mogul has held his own. But a rematch with Rhodes is all but imminent, which might happen as early as SummerSlam.

The Prodigal Son told Cena to his face a few weeks ago that he wouldn’t hesitate in cracking his skull with the title belt, unlike how it was at WrestleMania. But for Cena vs. Rhodes to happen, a number of stars would have to align. First of all, The American Nightmare must overcome Randy Orton at Night of Champions. If that happens, Rhodes would hope for Cena to get the better of CM Punk as well.

Cody Rhodes claims his time as a babyface is coming to an end

Cody Rhodes has been WWE’s biggest babyface since the night he returned to the company at WrestleMania 38. It’s been over three years, and he’s only gotten bigger in stature. However, the good guy arc of Rhodes can’t go on forever, and the WWE superstar is well aware of it.

Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes (via- WWE)

In a recent interview with Kay Adams, the ex-AEW EVP claimed that he’s at the tail end of his babyface run. Does that mean he’s turning heel sooner rather than later? Rhodes clarified that the fans might see him continue his current persona for a year or two before he’s a changed man.

The American Nightmare also brought up The Rock’s recent attempt to make him sell his soul to The Final Boss. The 39-year-old noted that Rock potentially sees something in him that he probably doesn’t. And since the Black Adam star is a smart individual, he could follow his lead, said Rhodes.

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