Randy Orton Chases Money in the Bank Spot in Triple Threat

Randy Orton is set for a high stakes Triple Threat match on the September 18 episode of SmackDown, with a spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the line. The Viper will battle United States Champion Trick Williams and AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix in a qualifier that promises to be a major test for all three men.

The winner of the September 18 qualifier will join Bron Breakker and Je'Von Evans in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match. For Orton, this represents a direct route back to the championship picture after his high profile loss to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. That Night 1 main event saw Orton turn on Pat McAfee before being pinned by Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship. A win in Corpus Christi puts him one briefcase away from another guaranteed title shot.

UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre recently tried his hand at Orton's iconic finishing move. A social media clip showed GSP careful studying the mechanics of the RKO before attempting it on a training partner. The result was a work in progress, lacking the fluid execution Orton has perfected over two decades. Fans were quick to critique the attempt, but St-Pierre's obsessive approach to technique suggests he will keep practicing. Orton himself saw the clip and reacted positively, bridging the worlds of WWE and UFC in a moment of mutual respect.

Former WWE star Malakai Black has revealed there was a pitch for him to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 earlier this year. Black, speaking on a podcast, said the plan was discussed up until a few months before the event. He even prepared a special smoke device for a jacket he intended to debut in that match. That proposed bout never materialized. Black instead had a brief interaction with Orton earlier in 2026 before making his final WWE appearance on April 17. He was released from his contract shortly after.

The show in Corpus Christi, Texas, is stacked. Alongside Orton's qualifier, Alexa Bliss will compete in a separate women's Triple Threat qualifier against Jacy Jayne and Jade Cargill. Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn is scheduled to appear fresh off his title win over CM Punk. Cody Rhodes will also sit down for an interview with Michael Cole to address his recent loss to Orton.

• Randy Orton competes in a Money in the Bank qualifying Triple Threat match on September 18.
• UFC legend Georges St-Pierre practiced the RKO, earning a reaction from Orton himself.
• A match between Orton and Malakai Black was pitched for WrestleMania 42 but never happened.
• Alexa Bliss is also in a women's Money in the Bank qualifier on the same SmackDown episode.

Orton's immediate focus is clear. He needs to handle the unique challenge posed by a champion and a high flier to secure his Money in the Bank opportunity. A win keeps The Viper firmly in the hunt for the gold that eluded him at the biggest show of the year.