Cody Rhodes is preparing to go to war with Randy Orton when the two longtime rivals finally collide at WWE’s Sunday Night’s Main Event.
What began as a rivalry rooted in their complicated history has developed into one of WWE’s most personal confrontations, with both men determined to settle their differences inside the ring.
A 20-year history reaches boiling point
Rhodes and Orton have known each other for around two decades, making their upcoming showdown far more significant than an ordinary singles match.
Orton played a major role in Rhodes' early WWE career, but their relationship has deteriorated dramatically.
The Viper's shocking return at SummerSlam changed everything when he hit Rhodes with an RKO, helping prevent The American Nightmare from overcoming Undisputed WWE Champion CM Punk.
Rhodes has not forgotten it.
Orton wants to stop Cody's title dream
Orton has made his intentions crystal clear.
The Viper has declared that he wants to prevent Rhodes from ever capturing World Title No. 15, turning their upcoming encounter into something much bigger than personal revenge.
Rhodes, meanwhile, has made it equally clear that he is willing to do whatever it takes to stop Orton. WWE itself has described the upcoming encounter as Rhodes going “to war” with The Viper.
The no-contact rule adds another layer
The rivalry became even more dangerous when SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis imposed a strict condition.
Neither Rhodes nor Orton can get physical with the other before Sunday Night's Main Event.
If either man initiates physical contact, they will lose their future opportunity to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
That has forced both superstars to rely on psychological warfare.
And judging by their recent confrontations, neither has been willing to back down.
The insults become personal
Their latest exchanges have pushed the rivalry beyond normal WWE trash talk.
Both men have targeted each other's personal lives, with Orton deliberately attempting to provoke Rhodes while Cody has fired back with comments of his own.
The result has been an increasingly volatile feud where one moment of lost control could have enormous consequences.
Now they finally get to fight
The waiting is almost over.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton will finally be able to settle their differences without Nick Aldis' no-contact restriction hanging over them.
For Rhodes, it is an opportunity to punish the man who cost him at SummerSlam.
For Orton, it is a chance to derail Rhodes' pursuit of another world championship.
Two former allies. Twenty years of history. One deeply personal rivalry.
At Sunday Night's Main Event, there will be nowhere left to hide.
Cody Rhodes is ready for war. Randy Orton is waiting.
🥊 Match Confirmed
Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton
📅 September 6, 2026
📍 State Farm Arena, Atlanta
🔥 Stipulation: Singles Match
🎯 Story: Personal rivalry / World Title implications
Fan Debate
🔥 FIRE: Who wins — Cody Rhodes or Randy Orton?
😲 SHOCK: Has this become WWE's most personal rivalry?
⚡ LIKE: Can Cody finally get revenge for SummerSlam?
💬 COMMENT: Predict the finish of Rhodes vs Orton.
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