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Randy Orton Faces Cody Rhodes Amid Real-Life Friendship

2026-09-07 · Randy Orton · Player Focus

Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes shared a face-to-face confrontation on WWE SmackDown last Friday before their Sunday Night's Main Event match, where Orton accused Rhodes of being addicted to winning the WWE Championship. The two have a well-documented real-life friendship that contrasts with their on-screen rivalry, a bond Orton referenced during the promo.

What did Randy Orton say about Cody Rhodes' championship pursuit?

Orton told Rhodes he was 'addicted to winning the championship' and 'sick' about putting the title ahead of everything during their SmackDown segment. He attempted to bait Rhodes into attacking him, knowing a disqualification would cost Rhodes his title opportunity. Orton's comments came as he closes in on 17 world championships, nearing John Cena's record.

How did Cody Rhodes respond to Orton's accusations?

Speaking to Outkick and Fox News Digital before Sunday Night's Main Event, Rhodes rejected the addiction label, stating he's never trusted a wrestler who said they didn't want to be champion. He countered that the addiction and sickness actually lie more with Orton, who feels underappreciated as a modern WWE GOAT despite his proximity to the record books.

What is the nature of Orton and Rhodes' real-life relationship?

Despite their heated on-screen exchanges, Orton and Rhodes maintain a genuine friendship outside the ring, a dynamic highlighted in recent features. Their ability to separate personal rapport from professional rivalry adds depth to their ongoing storyline, which saw Rhodes defeat Orton at both King of the Ring and WrestleMania earlier this year.

  • Randy Orton is close to 17 world championships, nearing John Cena's record
  • Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton at King of the Ring and WrestleMania in 2026
  • Their SmackDown confrontation occurred last Friday before Sunday Night's Main Event
  • Orton accused Rhodes of championship addiction during their face-to-face segment

More Randy Orton news →