Randy Orton Defeats Cody Rhodes at SNME as Fan Backlash

Randy Orton scored a significant victory over Cody Rhodes at the inaugural Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta, a win that reignites their intense rivalry and shows his enduring status as a top WWE star.

Orton's win over Rhodes at the State Farm Arena event on September 14, 2026, was a bloody affair that gave The Viper a measure of revenge. This match was a rematch from their WrestleMania 42 encounter, which Rhodes had won. The series now stands at two wins for Rhodes and one for Orton, suggesting their conflict is far from over. Both men are advertised for the upcoming episode of SmackDown in Mexico City.

Despite their on-screen animosity, Cody Rhodes holds Orton in the highest regard. In a recent interview, Rhodes placed Orton in what he called the golden circle of wrestlers, a group so elite it might only contain three people. He named John Cena as another member of this circle.

A separate but powerful narrative has emerged around fan perception of Orton's treatment. There is a growing sentiment among the WWE Universe that the 14-time world champion is being systematically sidelined. Fans feel robbed of major showdowns and proper closure for one of the company's most iconic figures. This discontent has reportedly reached a boiling point, creating a backlash that WWE management has been forced to acknowledge. The fan revolt centers on the belief that Orton's legacy is being disregarded in favor of pushing newer talent.

Away from the ring, Orton recently responded to UFC legend Georges St-Pierre attempting his iconic RKO finisher. St-Pierre shared a video of himself performing the move on content creators the Haroon Twins. Orton took to social media to acknowledge the attempt, writing, Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery #GSPouttanowhere. This playful exchange highlights the cultural reach of Orton's signature maneuver beyond the wrestling world.

• Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes at Sunday Night's Main Event on September 14, 2026.
• Cody Rhodes places Orton in a golden circle of elite wrestlers alongside names like John Cena.
• A significant fan backlash has erupted over perceptions that WWE is sidelining Orton.
• UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre recently attempted the RKO, drawing a flattered response from Orton.

Orton's immediate future includes a scheduled appearance on SmackDown in Mexico City, where the fallout from his victory over Rhodes will likely continue. With fan sentiment firmly behind him and his in-ring prowess validated by his fiercest rival, The Viper remains a central, volatile figure in WWE's landscape.