Randy Orton is in the crosshairs of The American Nightmare once again after he meddled with the WWE Championship match between CM Punk and Cody Rhodes in last week’s SummerSlam.
Punk defended his belt against Rhodes in night one of the event, but it was no clean victory as he had unwarranted assistance from a returning Orton.
In the closing moments of the match, Rhodes accidentally took out the referee and Punk went for a double GTS to try and seal the victory.
But Rhodes countered the second GTS and landed a Cross Rhodes to the champion.
However, Rhodes was not able to capitalise as Orton suddenly came out and hit his former friend with an RKO to cost him the match.
This interference reignited their rivalry which started earlier in the year, as Rhodes defeated Orton during WrestleMania.
It was clear that their feud was not over after that match, since Orton launched a post-match assault against the victor and unleashed his infamous Punt Kick to a downed Rhodes.
But there was no follow-up afterwards as Orton was sidelined for almost five months.
A clueless Punk
During the latest episode of SmackDown, Rhodes was furious with what transpired, calling out his former mentor.
Orton did not show, and Rhodes stated that he was assuming that the champion was unaware of The Viper’s interference.
Punk then came out, clarifying that he did not know that Orton hit his opponent with an RKO, adding that he was “pretty pissed about it”.
The champion further said that he is willing to join hands with Rhodes in taking Orton down, but Rhodes turned down the offer.
“No, no. You and I, we have unfinished business, no doubt, but my answer is the one that I need to get from Randy Orton. I guarantee I’m gonna find Randy Orton tonight and I’m gonna kick his ass myself,” Rhodes said as he gave the floor to the champion.
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Orton recalls Rhodes’ request
Later in the night, Orton and Rhodes confronted each other, but The Viper avoided any physical altercation.
Orton explained that Rhodes put himself in this situation, noting that The American Nightmare called for “the very best version of Randy Orton”, during their WrestleMania build-up.
Orton then pledged that he will “do everything I can to make sure you never, ever, ever are WWE Champion again”.
An irate Rhodes then stated that he does not have to be the good guy anymore, adding: “You call yourself The Legend Killer. Look all around, Randy. You’re the last legend left in WWE,” Rhodes said, referring to Orton’s former moniker.
“So, my question for you is this. Who kills you?”
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