Top RAW/SmackDown News: Former champion out of action due to injury suffered, Cody Rhodes to be betrayed by massive superstar? Gunther's message
Welcome to another edition of the top RAW and SmackDown news stories that could have a major impact on the WWE's future. In today's edition, we will look at some intriguing topics revolving around RAW and SmackDown superstars like former WWE Champion Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and Gunther.
Cody Rhodes is set to face Solo Sikoa for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. It is expected that Roman Reigns will finally return at SummerSlam looking for revenge against Sikoa, who brutally attacked Reigns' associate Paul Heyman a few weeks ago. But could there be something else in the works? Let's find out:
1. Randy Orton could betray Cody Rhodes after the events of SmackDown, says veteran
Last week on SmackDown, The Bloodline brutalized Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Rhodes was tied to the ring ropes while the group put The Viper through a table. Orton had warned Rhodes not to confront The Bloodline because they were outnumbered, but The American Nightmare did not heed his advice. Tommy Dreamer believes this could be the reason for Orton turning on Rhodes:
"If you think about Randy Orton, like, he kinda warned you Cody, and then yet he has to get his a** kicked for you. That's the story that could be told if Randy, like you and I had talked about, ever turns on Cody," he said on Busted Open.
There has been a lot of speculation regarding Randy Orton turning heel in order to feud with Cody Rhodes. The two have a strong history, as Orton once mentored Rhodes when they were part of the stable called The Legacy. With the expectation that Reigns will feud with Sikoa after SummerSlam, it would be the perfect time to kickstart a program between Rhodes and Orton.
2. Gunther sends a message ahead of RAW
As a result of winning the King of the Ring tournament, Gunther will challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE SummerSlam. This week on the red brand, Priest and Gunther will face off ahead of their title match next month. Today, the former IC Champion shared a message on his Instagram account.
"Face to Face," he wrote.
The Ring General held the Intercontinental Championship for a record 666 days before losing it to Sami Zayn at WrestleMania. Apart from winning the KOTR, Gunther has not done anything of note on RAW since losing his title. Will the European superstar be able to defeat the Archer of Infamy at SummerSlam?
3. Tyler Bate to remain out of action due to injury
RAW Superstar Tyler Bate suffered an arm injury while competing on NXT last week. The former NXT UK Champion revealed on his social media that he would be out of action for some time as he had to undergo surgery. Michael Cole also noted on RAW that the 27-year-old will be out of action due to his injury.
Bate was part of a tag team with Pete Dunne called New Catch Republic. However, with his absence, it looks like the company is building towards a program between Dunne and his former mentor, Sheamus. It will be interesting to note how Bate will fit into the story when he does return.