4 signs that Randy Orton will betray Cody Rhodes before WrestleMania 41
Randy Orton's return timeline to WWE TV is not clear yet as he was taken out with a brutal neck injury, courtesy of a Piledriver by Kevin Owens. However, when he does, The Viper might end up doing something shocking.
That would be turning on his long-time friend Cody Rhodes. The veteran's heel turn has been speculated for the past few months. Further, a heel Randy Orton generates more heat and attention than a babyface.
As WrestleMania 41 approaches, The Apex Predator might also have certain plans that he would want to execute. One of them might be to get his hands on a WWE championship. This article will look at four signs that hint at Randy Orton turning heel soon on his close pal, Cody Rhodes.
#4. Breakdown of Orton's relationship with Kevin Owens due to Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton might blame Cody Rhodes for his fallout with Kevin Owens. The Prizefighter also told The American Nightmare on SmackDown that he was responsible for Orton's condition.
Randy Orton and Kevin Owens have never been enemies the way they are right now. The two have feuded with each other in the past, but the animosity wasn't like this. Orton might return at Saturday Night's Main Event on December 14 to support Rhodes against Owens. However, he might attack the Undisputed WWE Champion later, turning heel.
#3. Less time left for an in-ring career after the Piledriver injury
Neck injuries are horrendous and fans have seen several superstars like Adam Copeland (FKA Edge), and Daniel Bryanson (FKA Daniel Bryan) having to take long time-outs in their careers after neck injuries. The Viper might soon wind up his time in the ring too after getting hit with a devastating Piledriver.
While this may be part of a storyline, Randy Orton might cite this as the reason behind turning heel against Cody Rhodes. He might contend that he didn't have much time left in his career, and going after the WWE Title again was the only thing left for him.
#2. Randy Orton has a history of not being a trustworthy individual
The Viper played a heel for several years and has a history of turning on his close friends. The last time he stabbed someone in the back was in 2020 when he turned on former WWE Superstar Edge.
Orton has exhibited a greedy character over the years, and it seems possible that he will turn on Cody Rhodes someday. Rhodes was once under the tutelage of Orton in The Legacy faction. However, The American Nightmare does not need the veteran today. This could give birth to palpable discomfort and jealousy and might lead to Orton attacking Cody Rhodes.
#1. Randy Orton looking to become the WWE Champion for the 11th time
The Viper is a 10-time WWE Champion. It's been four years since The Legend Killer has won the WWE Championship. The last time he clinched the gold was at Hell in a Cell in 2020 when he defeated Drew McIntyre inside the steel structure.
However, his reign was short-lived as he lost the title to McIntyre a few days later on RAW. Since then, The Viper hasn't won a WWE championship. He is already 44 years old, and the sun might soon be setting on his career.
Orton could now do anything it takes to win the gold. Hence he might turn on Cody Rhodes before WrestleMania 41, and try to beat him for the WWE Championship at the grand stage.