On this week’s WWE SmackDown in Ontario, California. Things got extremely heated between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Now, WWE Crown Jewel 2026 will be the site of the rematch, the rubber bout that finally settles all the bad blood between these two over the past year. However, it won’t just be a normal match- how can it be? The “American Nightmare” laid down the law, and the “Apex Predator” agreed.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton Finish It at WWE Crown Jewel 2026
Rhodes did the unthinkable on last week’s SmackDown after punt-kicking Baron Corbin flush in the head. The WWE Universe was shocked, and for a split second, even his former mentor and arch-rival Orton couldn’t believe his eyes. Friday night this week, Orton would come out to address the elephant in the room. What was that?
Well, Randy claimed that Cody couldn’t do it, but he did it; he pulled the trigger. The “Viper” made it known that he was proud of Rhodes for doing what he did. That said, he knows, and everyone knows, that Cody will “hesitate” when it counts the most: against him. When the opportunity presents itself again, Cody will fall short, and he’s going to be back to square one.
Cody Rhodes would come out and voice his opinion. Rhodes made it known that he was well aware of how dangerous Randy is. He punted Triple H, Shawn Michaels, and even Cody’s father, the late, great “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes. However, every time Orton made a statement, he wouldn’t follow through, as Cody pushed the narrative that Orton is a self-sabotaging screw-up.
Things got extremely heated as WWE officials surrounded the ring. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis tried to break up the impending fight and announced that if they wanted to do it, it wouldn’t be tonight. However, it will happen as he sanctions a match at WWE Crown Jewel 2026.
Rhodes would remark that this next bout isn’t going to be a normal match. He wants to end it, and he wants it to be a Last Man Standing Match. Orton would agree, setting the stage for the final showdown between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
