Randy Orton just reminded the entire WWE Universe who he really is, and Cody Rhodes is paying the price in blood.
On tonight's WWE SmackDown in Phoenix, Orton and Rhodes met face to face for what started as one of the most emotional contract signings in recent memory. Rhodes told Orton he was "Randy's boy." He talked about Orton being the one who believed in him when he came back to WWE with no support system. They hugged. They shook hands. And then Orton threw him through the table.
What followed was one of the most vicious, personal, and BLOODY attacks we have seen on SmackDown in years. Orton low-blowed him, ripped his shirt off, sent him into the ring steps TWICE, and wedged Cody's head against the steel while he hammered him with a chair. Rhodes was left motionless and bloody on the floor, and Orton walked back into the ring, sat down in a chair, placed the Undisputed WWE Championship on his lap, and stared out at the carnage HE created.
The Legend Killer is BACK. And WrestleMania 42 just went from a feel good redemption story to something far more dangerous.
@JDfromNY breaks down the full SmackDown fallout, the Orton heel turn, what it means for Cody Rhodes' WrestleMania main event, Drew McIntyre's shocking return, Trick Williams pinning Jacob Fatu, the Jelly Roll chaos on Miz TV, and every other major development from Phoenix. Plus, was this the RIGHT call for WWE creative heading into Las Vegas?
Tonight's WWE SmackDown Review (3/13/26)
🎙️Randy Orton TURNS HEEL, and the WrestleMania 42 contract signing ends with a BRUTAL assault on Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. The road to Las Vegas just changed completely.
🎙️ Drew McIntyre quits WWE after a confrontation with GM Nick Aldis and Jacob Fatu then comes back to attack Fatu anyway. His interference hands Trick Williams the win over Fatu, making the WrestleMania picture even messier.
🎙️ Jade Cargill def. Michin in a dominant non-title win, and Rhea Ripley gets in her face to close it out. Tiffany Stratton def. Kiana James after a Giulia miscommunication gives her WrestleMania momentum.
🎙️ The Bella Twins cost Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss — the Irresistible Forces retain the Women's Tag Titles via DQ. Damian Priest & R-Truth def. Los Garza — the #1 Contenders stay hot.
🎙️ Jelly Roll on Miz TV accidentally punches The Miz. Because of course he does. Uncle Howdy & Erick Rowan def. Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga — the lantern war with the MFTs continues.
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