A strange and uncertain atmosphere now surrounds Randy Orton just hours before his collision with Cody Rhodes in the King of the Ring tournament final. Once again, The Viper has become an enigma.
During the Countdown to Night of Champions premium live event, WWE broadcaster Byron Saxton reported that Orton has completely isolated himself. The veteran superstar, who had recently settled into a role as a respected locker room leader, was described as being “nowhere to be found.” This abrupt shift in behavior creates a tense backdrop for what is already a deeply personal and high-stakes match.
The report noted a dramatic change from Orton’s recent conduct, where he was seen mentoring younger talent.
“Today, Randy Orton is nowhere to be found. In fact, it feels like Orton has barricaded himself in his locker room, which makes you wonder what kind of thoughts could be percolating through the mind of The Viper?” Saxton stated.
This match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, marks the first one-on-one encounter between Orton and Rhodes in over a decade. It brings their shared history full circle, from their time together in the Legacy faction, where Orton served as a mentor to the then-upstart Rhodes.
The stakes are immense, extending beyond the crown itself. The winner receives a guaranteed world championship match at SummerSlam, a prize that could redefine the trajectory of either man’s career. For Rhodes, it is a clear path to a potential rematch for the Undisputed WWE Championship, while for Orton, it represents a chance to capture a 15th world title. With Orton now in self-imposed seclusion, the question of his psychological state adds a layer of unpredictability to the highly anticipated tournament final.