Credit: WWE.com
On the September 26, 2025, episode of WWE SmackDown from the Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, tensions erupted in a heated brawl that saw Randy Orton come to the rescue of Cody Rhodes during an intense 2-on-1 assault by Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. The highlight of the chaotic opening segment was Orton’s signature RKO out of nowhere, which he delivered to Bronson Reed, shifting momentum in favor of Rhodes and Orton’s alliance.
A High-Stakes Opening Brawl: Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton vs. Breakker & Reed
The show opened with an explosive confrontation involving some of WWE’s top talent: Cody Rhodes, fresh off recent title pursuits, found himself overwhelmed as Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed launched a coordinated attack against him. Just when it seemed the odds were stacked unfairly against Rhodes, Randy Orton sprang into action, evening the odds by targeting Bronson Reed.
Orton’s timing was impeccable. After thwarting Reed’s advance, the Viper executed his trademark RKO finisher, a move that immediately electrified the crowd and halted the assault. This moment reinforced Orton’s reputation as one of WWE’s most dangerous and unpredictable competitors.
Behind the scenes, sources close to Rhodes shared that this is a deliberate creative direction aimed at rekindling the dynamic between Orton and Rhodes, two veterans with deep histories in WWE. “There’s a brewing storyline here reflecting mutual respect turning into a tactical alliance,” a WWE insider revealed. “The company is exploring fresh avenues for both men as they prepare for potential high-profile matches in the coming months.”
Cody Rhodes Addresses Paul Heyman and The WWE Landscape
Following the opening brawl, Cody Rhodes took center stage with a compelling promo, directly interacting with Paul Heyman, who was present to offer his cryptic commentary. Rhodes asked Heyman if he was speaking as the “Oracle, the Wise Man, or the Advocate,” to which Heyman famously replied he was addressing the “GOAT.”
Heyman touched on several top WWE figures, notably mentioning the injured Roman Reigns and teasing the looming presence of Bron Breakker and Brock Lesnar, whose future with WWE remains a topic of speculation. Heyman’s nuanced speech underscored the unpredictable nature of WWE storylines and the shifting power dynamics.
Cody’s interaction with Heyman served both to highlight Rhodes’ increasing prominence and to set the stage for future rivalries, particularly focusing on the emerging next-generation talents like Breakker and established stars who continue to dominate.
The Significance of Orton’s Intervention: WWE’s Strategic Storytelling
Randy Orton’s rescue of Cody Rhodes was not just a spontaneous moment; it reflects WWE’s broader storytelling strategy. According to a WWE creative source, “Orton’s intervention signifies a potential pivot in current feuds and alliances. It’s a classic WWE move veteran experience teaming with emerging or resurgent stars to create compelling narratives going into major events.”
The episode showcased that even after decades in the business, Orton can still command attention and influence outcomes with a single decisive strike. Moreover, this moment heightens the stakes for Cody Rhodes, who appears to be navigating a critical crossroads in his storyline involving both allies and enemies.
Additional Highlights from WWE SmackDown (September 26, 2025)
While the opening segment stole the spotlight, the show also featured other significant matches and storylines:
The WWE Women’s Championship was defended in a dramatic triple threat match featuring Tiffany Stratton, Nia Jax, and Jade Cargill, delivering high-intensity action with the WWE Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer in attendance, scouting her next challenger.
Sami Zayn continued his United States Championship open challenge, keeping fans engaged with unpredictable matchups and his resilient spirit.
Prominent in-ring action and promos from other top talents such as John Cena, LA Knight, AJ Styles, and Bianca Belair maintained the show’s momentum across its two-hour runtime.
These elements, combined with the opening brawl and Orton’s heroic moment, made the episode a must-watch for WWE fans worldwide.
What’s Next for Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton?
The alliance between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, forged in the heat of battle, is expected to develop over upcoming WWE programming. Sources suggest that WWE plans to leverage this partnership heading toward major pay-per-view events, possibly involving tag-team matches or joint feuds targeting the likes of Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed.
A WWE insider hinted, “Expect Orton and Rhodes to intersect frequently in the narrative, with each man supporting the other’s ascent and solidifying their legacies.” Fans can anticipate a blend of veteran savvy and youthful vigor as these storylines unfold.