WWE continues to plant seeds for 14-time World Champion’s heel turn on SmackDown
14-time World Champion teased turning on his friend during an intense segment on this week's episode of SmackDown.
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Cody Rhodes and Gunther met face-to-face on this week’s episode of SmackDown. After a heated back-and-forth exchange of words, Rhodes began attacking his Raw counterpart. However, Ludwig Kaiser emerged to save his leader, as the two beat down Rhodes. Moments later, Randy Orton appeared to even the odds. While handing the Undisputed Title to Rhodes, Orton took his time to look at the belt.
This isn’t the first time The Viper has teased going after his former Legacy teammate. Prior to this year’s King and Queen of the Ring, Orton, and Rhodes stared down at each other backstage. During the duo’s rivalry with The Bloodline, the 14-time World Champion spoke about the dangers of holding that championship. Nonetheless, the rivalry between mentor and mentee seems inevitable. However, it won’t be happening anytime soon.
Both Orton and Rhodes have a common enemy to deal with. Over the past few weeks, Kevin Owens has turned his back on his two only friends. Additionally, The American Nightmare will square off against Gunther at the upcoming Crown Jewel PLE. For the first time ever, the World Heavyweight Champion will take on the Undisputed WWE Champion.
Oh boy…#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/VGjTq5uqpf
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 26, 2024
Although it is a champion vs. champion bout, neither title will be on the line. Instead, the winner will determine the inaugural Crown Jewel Champion. Following last night’s events, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are set to team up to face Gunther and Kaiser on next week’s show. Needless to say, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Owens somehow interfere in this bout.
Randy Orton vs. Kevin Owens made official for Crown Jewel on SmackDown
On last week’s episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton spoke with GM Nick Aldis backstage. The Apex Predator demanded a one-on-one match against Kevin Owens. However, Aldis said that he couldn’t grant Orton his wish. Moreover, he alluded to the decision to suspend Owens coming from the higher-ups.
Hence, Orton confronted Triple H on the latest episode of SmackDown. The 14-time World Champion felt that Hunter was trying to protect Owens. In response, the WWE CCO revealed that it was the opposite. After taking crowd’s reaction and Orton’s request into consideration, HHH made the match official for the Crown Jewel PLE.
R-KO has imploded, and the two former teammates will finally clash on next week’s show. Interestingly, this will be Owens’ first match since he turned heel at Bad Blood. Therefore, The Prizefighter won’t hesitate to brutalize the veteran during their bout.
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Vansh Shah
(1079 Articles Published)