Randy Orton’s Return Sparks Feud With Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam 2026

Randy Orton returned to WWE programming at SummerSlam 2026 and interfered in the Undisputed WWE Championship match, attacking Cody Rhodes with an RKO to help CM Punk win the title. Orton, a WWE star since 2000 and son of wrestler Bob Orton Jr., had been absent from television since WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Rhodes on Night 1. His return came after weeks of speculation and followed an earlier ambush of Rhodes in the summer of 2026. The interference reshaped the title picture and reignited a rivalry between Orton and Rhodes, who had been in a program with him following the event. With Orton now back on SmackDown and Cody Rhodes moving into a new feud, the storyline has immediate implications for the championship scene and Orton’s role in shaping it.

Orton’s Return After Extended Absence

Randy Orton returned to WWE programming at SummerSlam 2026 after being absent since WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Cody Rhodes on Night 1. His disappearance from television began after that match, though the briefing does not state the exact date he stopped appearing. Orton, a third‑most‑all‑time world champion with a career spanning more than 20 years, re‑emerged on the SummerSlam card and immediately became part of a storyline involving Cody Rhodes. His comeback was noted in reports that had anticipated his return.

Orton’s Role in Owens’ Comeback

Kevin Owens returned to competition at SummerSlam 2026 after a lengthy surgery recovery, crediting Randy Orton with playing a significant role in his rehabilitation. Owens said Orton’s guidance helped him regain confidence and physical readiness, though the source material does not specify the exact injury or the details of Orton’s assistance. The statement underscores Orton’s broader influence on younger talent within WWE. His return coincided with a high-profile feud with Cody Rhodes, which culminated in Orton interfering in the Undisputed WWE Championship match. Orton’s actions aided CM Punk’s title win, further entangling him in the rivalry. Orton had been absent since WrestleMania 42, where he lost to Rhodes on Night 1. His comeback was widely anticipated and promoted under a SmackDown event in Philadelphia.

SummerSlam Interference and Title Change

Randy Orton returned to WWE programming at SummerSlam 2026 after a prolonged absence. In the Undisputed WWE Championship match he interfered, striking Cody Rhodes with an RKO. The attack cleared the way for CM Punk to win the title with a Go to Sleep. According to reports, the moment reshaped the championship picture and sparked a new feud. Orton’s ambush followed earlier hostilities that began when Gunther assaulted Rhodes on RAW in June. The briefing marks the interference as a low‑confidence event but highlights its impact on the title picture. Orton’s actions were cited by a WWE Hall of Famer as a possible catalyst for Rhodes turning heel. The storyline now points to a future program between the two veterans.

Future Program Between Orton and Rhodes

Following SummerSlam 2026, reports indicated that Cody Rhodes would enter a program with Randy Orton, while a rematch with CM Punk was not expected soon. The storyline positions Orton as Rhodes’ next major rival, though WWE has not announced when the feud will officially begin on television. Orton’s ambush of Rhodes after SummerSlam was cited by a WWE Hall of Famer as a potential catalyst for Rhodes turning heel. Both men are established stars with long tenures on SmackDown, and Orton’s return comes after more than two decades with the company. Their history includes a loss at WrestleMania 42 Night 1, adding narrative weight to the new conflict. A future championship clash appears likely as the feud develops.

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