Randy Orton let the voices in his head do the talking as he demolished WWE Champion Cody Rhodes during a contract signing for their “WrestleMania” match.
The segment, during the latest episode of “SmackDown”, started with the two sides being friendly, with Orton applauding Rhodes as he made his entrance.
The two have a shared history, with Rhodes being a protege under Orton during their time in The Legacy group from 2008 to 2009.
The villainous stable conquered the main event scene, as Rhodes and fellow member Ted DiBiase Jr were essential to Orton’s various feuds and championship success back then.
Fans have been craving for an Orton and Rhodes feud since “The American Nightmare’s” return to the company in 2022.
The contract signing
Rhodes reminisced, recalling that his first match was with Orton, and that he admired him and wished he would be the same.
“And then I left, and this was probably frowned on. You put out a post about how you thought I could become world champion.
“And when I came back to WWE, I came back alone. There was no Codyverse. My brother wasn’t with me.”
“My wife stayed at home with the babies, but I had you,” Rhodes said as the two sides shared a fist bump.
“I’m not your son, and I’m not your brother but I have always been proud to be your boy,” Rhodes said as he put pen to paper.
Orton was visibly reluctant when it was his turn to sign.
“I don’t think you understand, Cody. I need this [“WrestleMania”]. I need that [WWE Championship],” Orton said, adding that the situation was supposed to be easy because Drew McIntyre was initially his opponent.
Rhodes then assured the challenger that he will always love him despite whatever happens during their match.
“Let me take this weight off your shoulders. ‘Cause I’m sure you’re hearing the voices in your head, and when the bell rings, that’s what I expect. That’s what they (audience) expect,” an excited Rhodes said.
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Orton signs the contract, then unleashes hell
After Rhodes hyped Orton up, the reluctant challenger then signed the contract and shrugged.
They shared a handshake and a hug, then Orton immediately bashed Rhodes’ head on the table.
Orton then gave a low blow to the stunned champion, and tossed him out of the ring.
“The Viper” then struck the champion on the head with steel steps, as “SmackDown” General Manager Nick Aldis tried to stop the onslaught to no avail.
Orton then planted a bloodied Rhodes to the announcer’s desk, putting the champion’s head between the steel steps.
Before he could do anything, people from backstage stopped Orton from doing more damage.
However, Orton came back equipped with a steel chair, and slammed the weapon on Rhodes’ already bleeding head.
The show ended with Orton sitting on the same chair he used as a weapon, as he put the WWE Championship on his waist in a grim visual.
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