Randy Orton opened SmackDown with a promo addressing his return at Elimination Chamber 2025, where he confronted Kevin Owens. During his segment, Orton referred to Cody Rhodes as his friend and criticized John Cena’s recent heel turn.
Orton called Cena “Rock’s Bottom” during his promo, making a direct reference to the alliance between The Rock and Cena that formed when Rhodes refused to align with The Rock.
This promo follows the recent developments on WWE programming where Cena turned heel and joined forces with The Rock after Rhodes refused to sell his soul to The Final Boss. Cena attacked Rhodes following this refusal.
Rhodes made his first appearance after these events on the latest episode of SmackDown, where he stated he wasn’t taking a step back and was ready for a confrontation against Cena at WrestleMania.
Orton and Rhodes share a history dating back to 2008 when they formed The Legacy stable alongside Ted DiBiase Jr. The group disbanded in 2010, and Rhodes has credited Orton for mentoring him during his early career.
Orton still has unfinished business with Owens, who is seeking revenge after Orton attacked him at Elimination Chamber. This situation could lead to a match between Orton and Owens at WrestleMania.
WWE has scheduled Rhodes to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cena at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas.
RANDY ORTON WAS SO SHOOK THAT THE CROWD BOOED WHEN HE MENTIONED JOHN CENA BRO SAID “WOW” 😭#SmackDown pic.twitter.com/UrQgxm2jMB
— FADE (@FadeAwayMedia) March 8, 2025