Randy Orton Returns on SmackDown, Targets Cody Rhodes – Randy Orton made a surprise return on the January 2 episode of WWE SmackDown, immediately reasserting himself as a major player and making his championship intentions clear. Orton interrupted The Miz during an in-ring segment, cutting off Miz before he could fully explain a proposed new tag team called Miz-KO. Without saying a single word, Orton dropped Miz with an RKO, then followed up with a second one, ending the segment decisively and drawing a massive reaction from the crowd.
Later in the show, Orton was shown backstage with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Rhodes welcomed Orton back, acknowledging the long road he has traveled to return to action. Orton responded by showing respect for Rhodes, but quickly shifted the tone of the exchange. Orton stated that when Rhodes defeats Drew McIntyre next Friday in their Three Stages of Hell match, he will be coming for the WWE Championship. The brief but direct interaction immediately set the stage for a potential title program between the two former allies.
Orton’s return ends a three-month absence from WWE television. He was last seen on the October 3 episode of SmackDown, where he teamed with Rhodes in a losing effort against Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed of The Vision. Following the match, Orton was taken out in a post-match angle, suffering a curb stomp from Seth Rollins and a Tsunami from Reed. The attack was used to write Orton off television, keeping him sidelined through the fall and winter.
Notably, Orton’s absence even extended to John Cena’s final match at December’s Saturday Night’s Main Event, further emphasizing the severity of the angle and the significance of his return. At 45 years old, Orton now appears fully focused on reclaiming championship gold and positioning himself near the top of the SmackDown card heading into 2026.
With tensions already building around Rhodes and McIntyre, Orton’s re-emergence adds another major wrinkle to the WWE Championship picture. As reported by WrestlingAttitude.Com, Orton wasted no time reminding everyone that he remains a serious threat and a future challenger for the top prize.
Randy Orton Returns on SmackDown, Targets Cody Rhodes
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