Randy Orton Accepts Cody Rhodes' Last Man Standing Challenge for WWE Crown Jewel

Randy Orton is headed for a brutal final chapter in his 2026 feud with Cody Rhodes. On the October 23 episode of SmackDown, Orton accepted Rhodes' challenge for a Last Man Standing match at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel event. This stipulation, with no disqualifications and a winner determined only when his opponent cannot answer a ten count, matches the personal intensity their rivalry has reached.

The segment opened with Orton praising Rhodes for showing a more ruthless side, referencing Rhodes' punt kick to Baron Corbin the previous week. But The Viper questioned if Rhodes could be that vicious with him. Rhodes came to the ring demanding a fight, leading SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to propose the Crown Jewel meeting. Rhodes himself stipulated the Last Man Standing rules, which Orton accepted with a warning about the consequences. Their series is tied this year, with Rhodes winning at WrestleMania 42 and Orton claiming a non-title victory at September's Sunday Night’s Main Event.

This storyline has rarely been a simple one on one affair. It began with Orton winning the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber to earn his WrestleMania title shot, then saw the involvement of personalities like Pat McAfee and musician Jelly Roll. Orton even cost Rhodes a title match against CM Punk at SummerSlam. With the creative team's history of adding layers, speculation points to potential new entrants like Ricky Saints, who shares past history with Rhodes from AEW, appearing on SmackDown to further complicate matters before the Saudi Arabia showdown.

Their current conflict is rooted in a partnership that dates back over fifteen years. Rhodes' first main roster match was against Orton, and he later served as Orton's ally in the Legacy faction. After a forgotten early feud and a 2013 storyline pitting Orton's Authority against Cody and his family, the two were portrayed as friends upon Rhodes' WWE return. That friendship ended violently when Orton attacked Cody, setting up their WrestleMania main event. Many fans felt the subsequent program, laden with meta commentary and McAfee's involvement, lost its way, making this current, stripped back aggression a welcomed refocus.

Away from the ring drama, Orton demonstrated his appreciation for the WWE fanbase in a significant way. He gifted a wrestling impersonator, known for mimicking his style and mannerisms, an amazing present valued at $2,400. The specific nature of the gift wasn't detailed, but the generous act highlights Orton's connection with supporters who have followed his legendary career.

While not directly part of Orton's current narrative, rising star Joe Hendry pointed to his match with The Viper as proof of his drawing power. Hendry told TV Insider that his WrestleMania bout against Orton did "insane numbers on social media" and that his related merchandise was a bestseller. He used those metrics to argue his case for being a future top star who can "move the needle" for WWE, showing the lasting impact of sharing the ring with a legend like Orton.

• Key Match Set: Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in a Last Man Standing match is official for WWE Crown Jewel.
• Feud History: Their 2026 series is tied 1 1, with Rhodes winning at WrestleMania 42 and Orton winning in September.
• Personal Stakes: Orton has repeatedly questioned if Rhodes possesses the true killer instinct needed to defeat him.
• Fan Connection: Orton recently gifted a $2,400 present to a fan who impersonates him.