Randy Orton turns heel against Cody Rhodes during the March 13th 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown

On the March 13th 2026 episode of WWE SmackDown, a contract signing was held for the WrestleMania 42 match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Cody entered to a mixed reaction from the crowd and brought up that his first WWE match was against Orton. He said he watched Orton headline WrestleMania in the past and noted that while he left the company and later returned on his own, Orton had been someone important in his career. Cody said he was proud to be “Orton’s boy” and signed the contract.

Orton initially refused to sign, saying Drew McIntyre was supposed to be there. Cody responded that he knew he would be facing the “Legend Killer” at WrestleMania and added that he would always love Orton regardless of what happens. Orton then signed the contract and shook Cody’s hand, but immediately attacked him by smashing his face into the table. Orton ripped off Cody’s shirt, hit him with steel steps, and busted him open. During the chaos, Orton shoved General Manager Nick Aldis and Jelly Roll. The segment ended with Orton placing Cody’s head on the steps and smashing it with a chair.