Building anticipation for SummerSlam - 4 reasons why Randy Orton didn't team with Cody Rhodes in SmackDown main event
Grayson Waller and Austin Theory attacked Cody Rhodes to kick off the latest episode of WWE SmackDown. The duo was angry for being collateral damage in The American Nightmare's ongoing battle with The Bloodline.
After Rhodes petitioned SmackDown GM Nick Aldis for a tag team match, he needed to find a partner for the night. Solo Sikoa then warned that any potential ally of Rhodes would be a target of The Bloodline.
When it came time for the main event, it was steadfast ally Kevin Owens who teamed with Rhodes. Some fans thought that Randy Orton could return for vengeance but he may not have for any of the next four possible reasons.
#4. Randy Orton is hurt in storyline
When wrestling companies want to write a star off for any period of time, they usually book that wrestler to get attacked, often quite viciously. It provides fans with a reason why that particular performer won't be appearing for a given time frame.
The Bloodline put Orton through the announce table last week in an act of war against Rhodes and his allies. It was the group taking out one of the champion's closest allies.
The attack on last week's SmackDown allows The Viper to sit on the sidelines until his return. It could be at SummerSlam to help Cody or he could turn on his friend.
#3. The Viper is really injured again
Randy Orton missed more than a year before his big return to WWE at Survivor Series: WarGames last November. His injury hiatus was because of The Bloodline and it almost ended his career.
The Legend Killer is in his mid-40s and is more susceptible to injuries than he was 10 years ago. He may have suffered a legitimate injury before, during, or after The Bloodline attack on last week's SmackDown, putting him on the injured list.
Along with Sheamus, Orton has been in and out of active status over the last few years. It could be a sign of wear and tear catching up to someone who's wrestled consistently for the last 20 years.
#2. Kevin Owens was back on SmackDown and ready for a fight
Along with Randy Orton, Kevin Owens has been one of Rhodes' top allies against Solo Sikoa and his crew. The Prizefighter has the most history with the faction in all of its iterations.
He had to miss one episode of SmackDown due to a family emergency. After taking care of his family, Owens was back and ready to get revenge on The Bloodline once again.
Owens missed last week's show and couldn't help his tag team partner. He might feel guilty about it and want to pay Solo Sikoa back for the brutal attack. Owens also wanted to help Rhodes.
#1. Could all hope be lost for Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam?
Last week on the blue brand, the new-look Bloodline decimated Randy Orton as Cody Rhodes looked on helplessly. It maintains the narrative that this new version is more vicious and chaotic and will do anything to their enemies.
Rhodes agreed to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Solo Sikoa at WWE SummerSlam. Sikoa is making sure the champ has no allies when the two square off in Cleveland. It will make it seem like Rhodes has no chance to sidestep the onslaught of the new Bloodline.
That situation could set the stage for Roman Reigns to make his much-anticipated return at The Biggest Party of the Summer. He hasn't been seen since losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania 40. In that time, Sikoa has overtaken The Bloodline and the title of Tribal Chief.
All could seem lost for Rhodes until Reigns' music hits and he walks into the arena. He could cost Sikoa the match and indirectly aid the person who defeated him for the title.