SmackDown took place in London and aired internationally on Netflix. It will air at the usual time slot in USA. Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes kicked off the show and was interrupted by Randy Orton. Fans sang both men’s theme song loudly.
Orton said he remembers a young Cody working harder than everyone and not being happy with his position in the company. Orton praised Cody for leaving and accomplishing everything he did:
“That took some big a$$ balls to leave this company and do what you did.”
Orton said WWE’s current financial success is 99% due to Rhodes and Rhodes got emotional. Orton noted:
“I am very, very proud of you.”
Orton also reminded everyone of Cody wrestling inside Hell in a Cell with a torn pec 3 years ago, and said Cody did it for the fans.
However, Orton turned his attention to business and said he wants to go for World Title #15, but doesn’t want Cody to worry about being kicked in the balls, as he respects Cody and said Cody has achieved more than him. Orton said he will tell Cody face-to-face when he comes for the title. For now, Orton wants to beat the crap out of Cena at WrestleMania 41.
Drew McIntyre came out and questioned what exactly Orton has done since his big return in 2023 to demand a title shot. McIntyre said Orton looks great on the outside, but from the inside, he knows Orton’s back in hanging by a thread.
McIntyre said he warned Cody about Cena, but Cody didn’t listen. Drew said the WrestleMania 41 main event would’ve been him vs. Cody for the Undisputed Title, but it’s not due to “Temu Taker” Damian Priest.
Drew threatened to take out Orton, but Cody hit him with a kick and a punch, before Drew retreated.
Also Read: Cody Rhodes Gets A New Nickname By WWE
