Randy Orton saves Cody Rhodes on WWE SmackDown

The September 26 episode of WWE SmackDown started with intensity at the Kia Center in Orlando. The night opened with Paul Heyman taking the microphone to address the rumors surrounding Brock Lesnar. However, he was quickly interrupted by Cody Rhodes, who didn't hesitate to confront him with irony, asking if he was speaking with the Lawyer, the Sage, or the Oracle.

Heyman responded by calling Rhodes "The GOAT" and issued a warning: as long as Lesnar is in WWE, everyone is in danger. Soon after, Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker appeared, surrounding the ring under Heyman's approving gaze, reminding Cody that, even though Lesnar wasn't present, the threat was real.

Rhodes didn't back down and directly targeted Breakker, pointing out that at his age he would have given anything to be a "Paul Heyman Guy" and stated: "you are not the future." The provocation triggered the young Steiner, who ripped off his shirt as Cody took off his jacket to fight. The Undisputed WWE Champion launched himself at both, but the numerical disadvantage eventually took its toll.

Just when it seemed the punishment would be final, Randy Orton's music hit. The Apex Predator entered the ring to clean house and save Rhodes, sparking euphoria among the Orlando crowd. The alliance between Orton and Rhodes promises to generate a lot of buzz in the coming weeks.

It's worth noting that in recent days, there have been rumors that Randy Orton was going to turn heel at Wrestlepalooza, favoring Drew McIntyre to win the Undisputed WWE Championship. However, despite WWE considering that possibility, it was ultimately decided that Rhodes should remain the champion. It is unknown if the plan to pit Orton against Rhodes is still on the table.

What is official, however, is that Cody Rhodes will face Seth Rollins in a match for the Crown Jewel Championship on October 11.