Orton and Rhodes are all nice and friendly to start, going as far as to pose and cheer with each other to close Rhodes’ entrance. Aldis leaves the ring — for some reason — before Rhodes goes back in time, mentioning that Orton was his first WWE opponent. He stated how important Orton has been to his career during his time in WWE, when he didn’t have people like his brother or wife. Rhodes signs the contract and pushes it towards Orton.
The challenger oddly hesitates, standing up to pace into the corner. Rhodes “doesn’t understand,” says Orton, who “needs” this.
Rhodes cuts him off, saying he’s sure Orton will hear “the voices.” Orton is then met with a hype speech from Rhodes, similar to when he told John Cena he wants and knows he’ll get the best version of him. No matter what, Rhodes will always love Orton, says Rhodes. Orton signs the contract, then turns on Rhodes, slamming him into the table and kicking him low.
The fans are happier with it than they are shocked, or anything of the sort. Orton launches Rhodes over the announce table and grabs the steel steps, bashing Rhodes in the dome. Aldis returns to take a shove, and Rhodes is bleeding, taking a pummeling.