3 Things Cody Rhodes can do following Randy Orton's injury
Cody Rhodes had an emotional night on the latest episode of SmackDown as his long-time friend and mentor, Randy Orton, was carried out from the arena on a stretcher. The Viper wanted a piece of Kevin Owens after their wild brawl at WWE Crown Jewel 2024. Unfortunately, KO took things too far when he hit a scary piledriver on the 14-time World Champion.
Backstage officials and Rhodes helped load Orton onto an ambulance. It appears as if The Apex Predator will not be featured on television for the next few weeks. Orton was rumored to have a feud with The American Nightmare, but the piledriver may have paused those plans.
On that note, let's look at three things Cody Rhodes can do following Randy Orton's injury.
#3. Cody Rhodes convinces Triple H to take strict action against Kevin Owens
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is an influential man. Last year, he pulled some strings to bring Jey Uso to RAW, kickstarting the latter's singles run on the flagship show.
Moreover, Triple H chose Rhodes over The Rock when a commotion arose regarding Roman Reigns' opponent at WrestleMania XL. Whatever the reasons, The American Nightmare has some sway backstage.
Therefore, Rhodes could use his influence to convince The Game to take strict measures against Kevin Owens. KO used the piledriver, a banned move, on Randy Orton despite officials trying to stop him. It is also worth noting that The King of Kings tried to protect The Viper by denying him a match with The Prizefighter.
With mounting pressure, Triple H could indefinitely suspend KO. Alternatively, his contract could be terminated too.
#2. Cody Rhodes joins the OG Bloodline at Survivor Series: WarGames 2024
The original Bloodline is back! After weeks of tension and dissension, Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Sami Zayn are united as a single unit. They seem set to take down Solo Sikoa's Bloodline, but there is a slight issue.
The Men's WarGames Match typically has a 5-on-5 format, meaning both factions are one-man short. Solo Sikoa has many options, from The Rock to Hikuleo to even Kevin Owens. However, the original Bloodline may have only one legitimate candidate.
Cody Rhodes trusted Reigns at Bad Blood 2024, and the unlikely duo defeated Sikoa and Jacob Fatu in a tag team match. The American Nightmare is good friends with Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. More importantly, Jimmy Uso convinced The Original Tribal Chief to help fend off a sneak attack on Rhodes in the final moments of Bad Blood 2024.
Lastly, Rhodes has been feuding with Sikoa for months. Hence, the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion has many motives for joining Reigns and Co. to take down Solo's Bloodline.
#1. Cody Rhodes vs. Kevin Owens at Survivor Series: WarGames 2024
During the build-up of Crown Jewel 2024, Cody Rhodes requested Randy Orton to save a piece of Kevin Owens for him, suggesting that he wanted to fight KO soon. Now that Owens has removed The Viper from the equation with a piledriver, Rhodes has a clear path.
The American Nightmare would want revenge for what KO did to Orton. Moreover, he would need a new challenger for the Undisputed WWE Championship. It has been a while since the top title was defended, and The Prizefighter is a viable opponent.
The last time Rhodes and Owens battled, they were still friends. Therefore, a rematch between the two is worth exploring.