The path to SummerSlam runs through this Saturday’s Night of Champions premium live event, where Randy Orton will face Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring tournament final. The match, scheduled for June 28, carries significant weight, as the winner will receive a world title opportunity at SummerSlam.
For Orton, the match represents more than just a chance at championship gold; it is a direct path to making history. He is currently tied with The Undertaker for the most matches in SummerSlam history at 16. A victory at Night of Champions would guarantee his 17th appearance at the summer event, giving him sole possession of the record. Orton has made his intentions clear regarding this milestone.
At SummerSlam will be my record-setting match.
The bout marks the first one-on-one encounter between the former mentor and his prodigy since Rhodes returned to WWE. Both men are driven by a shared desire for a match with Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena. While many see Rhodes as the favorite to win and finish his story with Cena, a victory for Orton remains a distinct possibility. An Orton win could lead to an unpredictable Triple Threat match at SummerSlam involving all three men, a scenario viewed as a major box-office attraction.
Orton secured his spot in the final by defeating Sami Zayn on the June 20 episode of SmackDown. The outcome of his match against Rhodes is the subject of heavy speculation, with possibilities ranging from a clean victory for either competitor to interference that could set up future rivalries. Another theory proposed by wrestling analyst Sam Roberts suggests that if Goldberg were to win the World Heavyweight Championship, an Orton victory could lead to a different blockbuster match against Goldberg at SummerSlam.
RHODES to the FINALS!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/XAFwhyrBq0
— WWE (@WWE) June 24, 2025