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WWE<\/p>\n
Randy Orton underwent a major character change during tonight\u2019s March 13 episode of WWE SmackDown in Phoenix, Arizona.<\/p>\n
SmackDown played host to a contract signing segment with Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton ahead of their Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 on April 18.<\/p>\n
Rhodes and Orton have a relationship that goes all the way back to Rhodes\u2019 WWE debut in 2007, which he brought up during the contract signing, saying:<\/p>\n
\u201cMy first match in 2007 was against Randy Orton, and I remember you winning the Royal Rumble (in 2009) and pointing to the WrestleMania sign and thinking \u2018if I can only be like you\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I came back (to WWE in 2022) I was all alone, there was no Codyverse, my wife was at home, but I had you.\u201d<\/p>\n
If you use this transcription or any portion of it please credit WrestleTalk.com and link to this page.<\/p>\n
Orton, who has been a babyface in WWE for a number of years now, received the message well, but expressed to Rhodes that he \u201cneeds\u201d to win at WrestleMania to become a 15-time World Champion \u2013 and he didn\u2019t want to have to beat Rhodes to do it.<\/p>\n
However, Rhodes invited Orton to be the best version of himself, which compelled a major shift in Orton\u2019s demeanor.<\/p>\n
Orton got a crazed look in his eye and attacked Rhodes, including a low blow and an aggressive assault at ringside with the steel steps.<\/p>\n
Rhodes was left covered in blood as Orton laid his head on the steps before leaving up the ramp while producers, referees and medical personnel attempted to help Rhodes.<\/p>\n
Just a few seconds later, Orton re-emerged with a steel chair and used the chair to nail Rhodes\u2019 head as it was wedged against the steps.<\/p>\n
Is Randy Orton Heel Again In WWE?<\/p>\n
This was seemingly a reintroduction to the famous \u20182009 Randy Orton<\/a>\u2018 who was the top heel in WWE at that time.<\/p>\n The difference this time is that the crowd did not boo his actions, and in fact chanted for Orton as the show went off the air.<\/p>\n It remains to be seen whether that will be something that changes in the five weeks before WrestleMania takes place.<\/p>\n There had been signs that some fans were starting to turn on Cody Rhodes, and it appears they may be choosing Orton over Rhodes, despite Orton being the aggressor with a violent attack tonight.<\/p>\n To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link<\/a>!<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/wrestling-masterclass-9-stars-webp-768x127.webp.webp\")
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