Randy Orton has lust in his eyes for Cody Rhodes’ title

The seeds of a potential Orton heel turn and rivalry with Rhodes have officially been planted.

If the eyes are the windows to the soul, Randy Orton’s envy became evident during a dramatic SmackDown at Madison Square Garden.

As The Bloodline Acknowledgement Ceremony was about to begin, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens, and Randy Orton stormed the event, seeking revenge for the previous week’s beating. After driving off their rivals, Rhodes praised Owens as a WrestleMania headliner and hailed Orton as a 14-time world champion and future Hall of Famer. However, his next statement hinted at events to come.

“I see a sold-out World’s Most Famous Arena, Madison Square Garden,” Rhodes continued. “You see magic like this, a crowd like this. I should be defending my WWE Championship here tonight against a worthy, credible opponent.”

Orton, who had been stomping around the ring, riling up the crowd and absorbing the atmosphere, froze mid-stride, directly behind Rhodes’ shoulder. Like a viper ready to strike, he craned his head, his eyes narrowing with a fierce intensity as he glared at the champion. As Rhodes mentioned facing a worthy challenger, Orton seemed to snap out of a trance, as a predatory grin spread across his face, suggesting he had something in mind.

Following Rhodes’ first televised title defense at Backlash, he expressed a desire to face Orton, acknowledging the challenge of measuring up to his former mentor, saying, “I kind of want to find out. I know ten years ago, Randy could wipe the floor with me. But I wonder what it looks like today,” said Rhodes.

A potential obstacle to their matchup is their status as fan favorites, particularly Orton. Since returning from a nearly two-year injury layoff, fans have embraced Orton in a manner unprecedented in his career. Because of this, it’s hard to imagine audiences turning against him, especially as he enjoys perhaps the peak of his popularity.

Yet, the sinister glint in Orton’s eyes when Rhodes mentioned a championship opportunity hinted at something evil. However, such a confrontation might not come this summer, as Rhodes has business with The Bloodline to settle first.

But as the chill of fall descends and the leaves begin to turn, so too may Orton, as his desire for Rhodes’ title casts a menacing shadow over their friendship.