WWE SmackDown: 3 things Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes can do

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One of the most shocking moments of the two-night SummerSlam spectacle was Randy Orton’s jaw-dropping return, which cost Cody Rhodes in his Undisputed WWE Championship match against CM Punk.

The Apex Predator had been missing from WWE television since losing to The American Nightmare at WrestleMania 42. Following his loss, Orton snapped and connected a vicious Punt Kick to The Prodigal Son, leaving him with a black eye for weeks, and suddenly disappeared from WWE television.

On last week’s episode of SmackDown, The Viper and The American Nightmare confronted each other, giving their personal rivalry a fresh start. While Rhodes was ready for a fistfight, Orton escaped the ring and avoided the clash, and the two had an on-mic confrontation.

That being said, in this listicle, we take a look at three things Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes can do on the upcoming episode of SmackDown:

#3. Cody Rhodes may strike first

The American Nightmare has endured a lot as the good guy and has been continuously backstabbed, with John Cena and The Rock, among other stars, betraying him.

Knowing Randy Orton’s history of mind games, The Prodigal Son may come prepared. Tonight’s edition of Friday Night SmackDown could see Rhodes strike first, going against his style to keep The Apex Predator in check.

This angle would add another layer of excitement to the Randy-Cody saga while fueling ongoing speculation around The American Nightmare’s potential heel turn.

#2. Orton may catch former Undisputed WWE Champion off guard

The Apex Predator made it clear during the post-SummerSlam episode of SmackDown that he was willing to unleash the absolute worst side of himself to achieve his goals.

Cody Rhodes is a good guy, and one of his biggest weaknesses is his soft spot. The American Nightmare’s history with Randy Orton in WWE might make The Prodigal Son hesitate to inflict any serious damage on him.

The Legend Killer could use Cody’s emotions to his advantage and strike him when he is vulnerable, making the feud even more personal.

On SmackDown, The Apex Predator could attempt to lure The American Nightmare into a false sense of security by trying to convince him that he wants to fix their relationship. Once Rhodes agrees to reconcile, The Viper could once again catch him off guard with a massive attack.

The sudden attack would force General Manager Nick Aldis, along with other officials and the security team, to rush out and separate Orton from Rhodes to prevent any more damage to the former Undisputed WWE Champion.

#1. A high-stakes WWE match

Randy Orton has indeed blurred all the lines in his friendship with Cody Rhodes, first backstabbing him by turning heel on him, then trying to end his career despite losing at WrestleMania 42 by connecting him with the vicious Punt Kick.

Then he cost Cody Rhodes his chance of reclaiming the Undisputed WWE Championship by interfering in his match against CM Punk at The Biggest Party of the Summer.

On tonight’s Friday Night SmackDown, The Prodigal Son could go off on Randy Orton and get Aldis to book a high-stakes match, with the stipulation that the winner gets a guaranteed shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship against the winner of Kevin Owens vs. CM Punk. The loser will be forced to leave the blue brand.

Both men may agree to this, and the general manager could book their match for Money in the Bank 2026.

That being said, it will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and his WWE creative team have in store for the Rhodes-Orton saga in the coming weeks as the company heads closer to the 2026 Money in the Bank Premium Live Event.