A former WWE Champion has snubbed Jey Uso and expressed his desire to face Cody Rhodes.
Earlier this week, during the June 20 episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton defeated Sami Zayn to book himself a berth in the final of the King of the Ring 2025. He is now scheduled to face the winner of the Jey Uso vs. Cody Rhodes match on the June 23 episode of RAW.
During his appearance today on the SummerSlam 2025 Kick-Off Show, Randy Orton expressed his interest in facing Rhodes in the final of the tournament instead of squaring up against Uso. The Yeet Master recently lost the World Heavyweight Title to Gunther and is now a heavy favorite to win back a World Title opportunity at SummerSlam.
Speaking at the show today, The Apex Predator said,
He’s a brother I’ve said this multiple times, I love him like a brother. But I have also said a few times I will do whatever it takes to get to John Cena, beat John Cena and get number 15 around my waist.”
“It’s a very hard question to answer, but if I gotta beat Jey or Cody I’m gonna go ahead and call it Cody how about we do that? I’d like to beat Cody.”
[H/T: Wrestletalk]
The winner of the King of the Ring Tournament will receive a World Title match against the top champion of their brand at SummerSlam 2025.
Former AEW Star Was Originally Supposed To Face Randy Orton At WWE WrestleMania 41
While Joe Hendry faced off against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 41 in a surprising encounter, a former AEW star was originally planned to be Orton’s opponent.
From what I’m told, there was a discussion about it. But for obvious reasons, it didn’t go any further because they had another plan. But the option was considered. It was a thought process like, ‘What if we do it? Well, maybe not, okay.’ That’s all I heard. The fact that they discussed it at all is pretty cool. And I would have jumped at it with open arms because any time I get a chance to wrestle Randy, it’s a good time, because Randy, he’s… he’s Randy Orton, you know! He’s Randy Orton. At WrestleMania. How could I say no? You know what I mean? I’d be scared sh**less, but I’d do it. It would be crazy.”
In other news: A WWE Championship was vacated recently.