Is The Viper about to strike?
WWE continues to drop some big hints that we are heading towards a Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes match.
But not just any match—this rivalry is set to become a heated feud that could be very personal.
Here’s how the drama has played out over the past several weeks and what it could mean for the future.
The Tension Begins
Before diving into the latest SmackDown episode, let’s rewind a bit.
Leading up to the Money in the Bank event in Toronto, WWE set the stage for something big. On a memorable episode of SmackDown at Madison Square Garden, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Kevin Owens came out fuming over their issues with The Bloodline.
Cody’s words during this segment seemed to light a fuse. He questioned why he was dealing with The Bloodline instead of defending his WWE Championship.
Orton’s reaction? A revealing look that hinted at underlying motivations.
Money in the Bank Fallout
Fast forward to Money in the Bank and the six-man tag team action with Randy Orton, Kevin Owens, and Cody Rhodes against The Bloodline.
Cody lost, putting Orton in a frustrating position where he had no choice but to continue supporting his friend.
Perhaps Orton is starting to get annoyed at having to cover for Cody time and again?
The Sit-Down and Gaze
This brings us to the latest SmackDown.
Randy Orton repeatedly professed his loyalty to Cody, mentioning how he would always have his friend’s back, but his eyes told another story.
The camera captured Orton’s sidelong glances at Cody’s WWE title, setting the scene for the audience for the eventual feud.
The invisible wall between them was not just physical but symbolic—the championship between them was also a metaphorical gulf for two friends.
The Bloodline’s Beatdown
During the episode, Orton’s encouragement led Cody to confront Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline, resulting in Cody getting tied up and Orton paying the price with a brutal beatdown.
The Bloodline’s attack left Orton with potential career-threatening injuries, raising questions about his future.
Could this be the last straw for Orton, who might finally be tired of taking the hits for Cody?
A Feud in the Making
If so, the stage is set for an explosive feud.
Cody himself has acknowledged he wouldn’t be where he is without Orton, and losing him would cut deeply. The animosity is brewing, and WWE is laying the groundwork for Orton to betray Cody, signaling the end of their friendship.
Fans are speculating when Orton will turn—perhaps at a major event like SummerSlam or after Roman Reigns returns.
Some even think Bad Blood in October would be the perfect platform for their eventual showdown.
All these scenarios point to one inevitable conclusion: The Viper is poised to strike.
The Final Countdown
Randy Orton’s ominous statement, “Everything comes to an end,” could spell the end of Cody Rhodes’ championship reign.
Cody’s mistake was trusting The Viper, a fatal flaw that WWE fans know all too well.
This betrayal will likely be the catalyst that drives the storyline forward, making the Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes feud one of the most anticipated in recent WWE history.
When do you think Randy Orton will finally turn on Cody Rhodes? What other hints have you picked up on?
Let’s me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Watch the video below for my FULL WWE SmackDown 7/8/24 review with thoughts on The Bloodline’s attack on Randy Orton!
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