Below are some top WWE news stories of the day, featuring Randy Orton, John Cena, and Jade Cargill.
• Randy Orton kicked off tonight’s SmackDown and acknowledged the chaos that unfolded during his absence, including John Cena’s shocking heel turn. Orton said Cena turning heel gives a whole new meaning to Rock Bottom. He reflected on his friendship with Cena, noting that he was one of his few close friends, alongside Kevin Owens.
Orton praises Owens’ journey to WWE but accused him of being driven by jealousy. He pointed to Owens delivering piledrivers to Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn, arguing that while Owens might claim it was because of their ties to Roman Reigns, the real reason was resentment over their success.
Questioning what Owens could possibly envy given his own WWE achievements, including main eventing WrestleMania against Stone Cold Steve Austin, Orton recalled being told his spinal fusion surgery a year and a half ago would end his career.
Determined not to take anything for granted, he insists that despite his resolve to stay composed, Owens has angered him—so much so that he’s ready to prove Pat McAfee is only the second-greatest punter in WWE.
• John Cena’s heel turn at Elimination Chamber, aligning with The Rock, was originally planned for WrestleMania 41’s finish but was moved up last minute, according to the Wrestling Observer.
While The Rock had originally wanted Cody Rhodes to turn heel instead, Rhodes declined. WWE officials believed a Rhodes heel turn would harm the company, given his current popularity.
WWE’s top decision-makers may have planned the move all along, but many key people were led to believe it was a late change.
• Jade Cargill’s return has reignited tensions with Shayna Baszler stemming from an incident at WWE Clash At The Castle 2024, where Cargill tapped out unexpectedly while being in Shayna’s submission hold, which wasn’t supposed to be the finish of the match.
You can watch it below:
UHHH???#WWECastle pic.twitter.com/R7Vu3peznz
— s e t h (@futurafreesky) June 15, 2024
Backstage, Cargill reportedly said Baszler “needed to learn how to work,” a comment that spread and upset many, according to the Wrestling Observer.
While the issue had been quiet for months, Cargill’s recent promo demanding respect and referencing being “surrounded by wolves” reignited the controversy, with some WWE talents taking it personally.
