Randy Orton Saves Cody Rhodes From The Vision in Explosive WWE SmackDown Opening

WWE SmackDown wasted no time getting the crowd on their feet this week, kicking off with Paul Heyman in the middle of the ring, mic in hand, and his iconic “Ladies and gentlemen…”

Heyman teased that he had so much to talk about but only two hours to do it. Without saying Cody Rhodes’ name directly, he referred to the “fraudulent champion” before dropping hints at several other names: Seth Rollins (“the real champion” in Heyman’s words), Bron Breakker (whom Heyman said will headline WrestleMania for the next 5–10 years), and even Brock Lesnar. Whether this was classic Heyman misdirection or a genuine tease of future plans, fans were hanging on every word.

Cody Rhodes Confronts Heyman

Before Heyman could continue, Cody Rhodes’ music hit, and the Undisputed WWE Champion marched to the ring. Rhodes opened by apologizing for calling Heyman a “goon” last week, instead calling him “the smartest guy I know.”

Cody then asked production to roll a clip from WrestlePalooza, showing Lesnar and Heyman smiling side by side. “That doesn’t look like a one-time thing…” Cody said, questioning Heyman’s loyalty.

Heyman retorted sharply, claiming Cody was speaking to the GOAT and warning him that he should be thankful Brock Lesnar wasn’t in the building tonight: “When Lesnar is here, everyone is in danger.”

The Numbers Game Stacks Against Cody

Heyman’s warning proved prophetic as Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker hit the ring. Heyman quickly made his exit while Cody called out Breakker and Reed, acknowledging their potential but questioning Heyman’s true motives:

“I would have killed to be a Heyman guy at your age. But I grew up in this business—I could always tell who was doing things for the right reasons. Heyman? No one has ever figured him out. He’s not doing this for you.”

That jab lit a fire under Breakker, who ripped his shirt off and stormed toward Cody. Rhodes swung first, dropping Bronson Reed with a shot and nearly hitting a Cross Rhodes before Breakker exploded out of the corner with a crushing shoulder block. The beatdown was on, and the numbers game looked overwhelming.

Randy Orton Returns the Favor

Just when it seemed like Cody would be left in pieces, the arena erupted to the sound of Randy Orton’s theme music. The Viper charged to the ring, unloading on Breakker and Reed with trademark precision. Orton and Rhodes cleared the ring, standing tall as the crowd roared.

But in a subtle moment that could carry major implications, Orton locked eyes on Cody’s Undisputed WWE Championship. He patted Cody on the back, but the lingering stare was enough to plant the seeds of doubt — and maybe the foundation of a future rivalry.

🗣️ Wrestling.news | Backstage Take

This segment had all the ingredients of a perfect SmackDown opener: Heyman stirring the pot, Cody Rhodes standing his ground, young stars like Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker getting the rub, and a major return in Randy Orton. The key here is Orton’s stare at Cody’s championship — WWE doesn’t tease something that significant without a payoff. Expect this to lead to a tag match later tonight or next week, but more importantly, don’t be shocked if Orton is positioned as Rhodes’ next major challenger at some point.  Randy Orton’s booking has been a hot topic of frustration — not just among fans, but even within the industry. Most notably, his own wife recently called out WWE Creative for how “The Viper” has been utilized. One thing is certain: the pot isn’t done being stirred. 

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