Cody Rhodes comes to a crossroads after losing to Randy Orton at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event
How far was Cody Rhodes willing to go to defeat Randy Orton at Sunday Night’s Main Event? That was the question that the WWE Universe waited to be answered as the two met in a WrestleMania 42 grudge match on Sunday at the State Farm Arena.
The short answer? Not far enough.
COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON OUTKICK
Cody Rhodes faces Randy Orton during Sunday Night’s Main Event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 6, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
Rhodes appeared to be trapped between doing what’s right and allowing himself to turn into the villain. After Charles Robinson was knocked out of the match for a few minutes, Rhodes turned up the heat. He bloodied Orton on the outside of the ring and hit multiple Cross Rhodes finishers on Orton. As “The Viper” was trying to pick himself back up, Rhodes was lining Orton up for a punt.
It was going to be the same punt Orton gave Rhodes after he lost the Undisputed WWE Championship match to him in Las Vegas. Rhodes had it perfectly lined up before Orton put his hands up in defense, seemingly trying to surrender. Rhodes looked confused and didn’t exactly know what to do.
Referee Eddie Arango came out to allow Orton to get himself together. As Rhodes pleaded with him to get out of the way, Orton nailed both Rhodes and Arango with a low blow. Playing opossum worked to perfection.
Randy Orton looks on during Sunday Night’s Main Event at State Farm Arena on Sept. 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Ga. (WWE via Getty Images)
SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS
Orton hit Rhodes with an RKO and was able to pin Rhodes for the win as Robinson crawled back into the ring.
Orton picked up a pivotal win, which may put his feud with Rhodes in the rearview for now. Rhodes will have to gather himself. He may be at a literal crossroads right now.
Rhodes has been at the top of the WWE roster in one way or another for the last few years. The losses are beginning to pile up. Sami Zayn pinned Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at Night of Champions. He then lost to CM Punk for the title at SummerSlam, thanks to Orton.
Cody Rhodes is in action against Randy Orton during Sunday Night’s Main Event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on Sept. 6, 2026. (WWE via Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Now, it appears Rhodes’ quickest way to get back to the title picture is through the Money in the Bank ladder match. The qualifying matches for the event will start this week.
