13 New Directions For WWE After SummerSlam 2026
4. Randy Orton’s Comeback (Cody Out Of The Title Mix)
Holy RKO!
Randy Orton proved the pre-show rumours were correct when he ran in on the Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk title match to plant Cody with his trademark finisher. Crucially, Punk didn’t see it, but the big story is that Randy cost Rhodes the chance to win as revenge for WrestleMania 42. Cody vs. Orton is incoming one more time, people.
Again, there had been rumours heading into Saturday’s show that Randy would be there. This result also opens Punk up to fresh challengers on SmackDown as champ, which is a good thing. The likes of Trick Williams (who confronted the WWE Champion on the latest blue brand episode) and the returning Kevin Owens await him.
Both of those bouts feel legitimately fresh and shiny, which will be a welcome boost on Fridays. More on one of them in a bit. For now, back to Cody's revenge following...Randy's revenge. Fingers crossed that TKO don't put in a call to Pat McAfee and press the repeat button, because this rekindled feud between ex-Legacy partners doesn't need Pat.
It never really did heading into 'Mania last time. He put the whole narrative in a chokehold by pretending that he was the only man capable of firing Randy bloody Orton up for a title showdown. That was preposterous, and nobody bought it. The most interesting thing during the latest reprise will be whether or not Cody stays babyface or if he finally goes heel.
Do that, and he could power past Orton into a feud with Roman Reigns. Just saying.