6 Ups & 4 Downs From WWE SmackDown (28 Mar - Results & Review)

4. Sowing Post-WrestleMania Seeds

Sure, the opening segment was one of your standard revolving door, ‘I interrupt…no I interrupt’ style WWE promos, but it did have more value than some might think. On the surface, this was hollow and included nothing but Randy Orton pandering to Cody Rhodes then Drew McIntyre sticking his nose in. However, both Cody vs. Orton and Cody vs. McIntyre could be valuable once ‘Mania 41 is in the rear view mirror.

Both staking a claim for the belt (specifically when it’s on Rhodes) adds a little doubt to the match Cody has coming up with John Cena. Think about it: the Backlash 2025 PLE happens on 10 May in St. Louis. That's Orton's hometown, and there's merit to him challenging either Cody or Cena. One last roll around for the iconic rivalry between generational favourites? It could happen.

Failing that, Randy also has a ton of history with Rhodes to explore. WWE touched on that last year when Orton sneaked a glance at the WWE Title several times. Things went no further. They didn't need to until the time was right.

Friday's kick off skit was long-winded, yes, but the segment will pay off later in the year and that's surely something everyone should be chuffed with. Triple H is sowing some seeds for things to come after April's weekender in Las Vegas is old news. Good, because they should be looking ahead and making sure the traditional post-WrestleMania lull is easily avoidable.

Randy's OTT praise for Cody might well have been a bid to force Rhodes into lowering his guard too. Just saying.