WWE shared a major tease about Randy Orton ahead of tonight’s episode of SmackDown. This week’s episode of the blue brand will air live from the Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Cody Rhodes challenged CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2026. Randy Orton interfered in the match and hit Rhodes with an RKO out of nowhere while the referee was distracted. Punk did not see The Viper’s attack but capitalized by hitting the GTS for the pinfall victory.
Thanks for the submission!
The promotion’s official website teased the fallout of Orton’s return tonight on SmackDown by wondering how Cody Rhodes would respond to the attack.
“The Viper is back. Randy Orton made his shocking return at SummerSlam, striking Cody Rhodes with an RKO during The American Nightmare’s title match against Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk. How will Rhodes respond? Find out Friday on SmackDown at 8 ET/7 CT on USA.” (H/T: WWE.com)
Kevin Owens made his return during Night 2 of SummerSlam and won a number one contender’s match to earn a future title shot against CM Punk. Owens and Punk are scheduled to meet face-to-face tonight on SmackDown.
Major WWE star reacts to Randy Orton’s return
CM Punk sent a warning to Randy Orton following his surprise return at SummerSlam.
Speaking on the SummerSlam Post-Show, Punk reacted to Orton’s return and sent a warning to the wrestling icon.
“I got the target on my back, the gold around my waist. There’s a reason why I call myself ‘The Best in the World’; everybody wants to be that, and I am that. So come and get it. Gunther. Randy. I’m not stoked about what Randy did. Randy’s a snake. Randy wants some, he can get some. His dad Bob [Orton] can get some. Randy’s mom wants some; I’ll slap her too. I don’t really care. Trick Williams? Whoop that Trick? I’ll give some to him too. CM Punk is here, and I’m a target, and I welcome every single archer who wants to shoot a bow and arrow at me,” he said.
It will be interesting to see what the company has planned for the rivalry between Rhodes and Orton moving forward.
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Edited by Robert Lentini