WWE fans expressed disdain over Cody Rhodes‘ actions at Night of Champions.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton finally faced each other in the final of the King of the Ring Tournament at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a crack at the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Although both men are babyfaces, fans in attendance seemed to be more in favor of seeing The Viper win, especially with The American Nightmare’s actions during the bout.
During the match, Randy Orton hurt his lower back performing a superplex, and Cody Rhodes didn’t hesitate in targeting his former mentor’s fragile back, knowing he had a serious injury in that area that sidelined him for nearly 18 months. Due to this, fans didn’t hold back in booing the former Undisputed WWE Champion.
CODY WRAPPING ORTON AROUND THE RING POST
AND THE CROWD BOOS!#WWENOCpic.twitter.com/OqozMeB8px
— The Movement – Pro Wrestling (@TheMovementXx) June 28, 2025
It was interesting to see The American Nightmare show a more violent side of himself and act more heelish with his opponent tonight, especially against Randy Orton, since he is someone Rhodes has a close and personal relationship with.
Cody Rhodes Defeats Randy Orton At WWE Night of Champions 2025
Randy Orton also had some tricks up his sleeve. After a failed attempt at a Punt Kick, Orton exposed a turnbuckle in an attempt to use it on his opponent. However, Rhodes used it to his advantage instead and pushed The Viper towards it and hit his ribs, before rolling up The Legend Killer for a three count.
As a result, Cody Rhodes is now set for an Undisputed WWE Championship match at SummerSlam, whether it’s against John Cena or CM Punk remains to be seen.