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Cody Rhodes' current alliance with Roman Reigns has made him oblivious to the possibility of one of his closest friends in WWE turning his back on him. This could have serious consequences for the star now.
Since the night The American Nightmare became the Undisputed WWE Champion, fans have been looking forward to his potential feud with his former stablemate, Randy Orton. Many believe the seeds for said rivalry are already being planted in the interactions between the two veterans.
It goes without saying that the feud in question would work best with The Viper playing the heel. So far, there have been multiple signs that would be the case. Here are four of those.
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#4 Randy Orton warning Cody Rhodes about his tag team with Roman Reigns being a problem
On the latest episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton called the current Undisputed WWE Champion out to the ring, expecting an explanation for Rhodes teaming up with Reigns after what the top babyfaces had to endure at the hands of The Bloodline for the past four years.
The Dashing One addressed The Viper's concerns and stressed how important the upcoming dream team is to get rid of The Bloodline for good. He even made sure that everything was fine between him and his mentor.
Orton was quick to assure him that he has no problem with the WrestleMania XL rivals teaming up - unless Cody wanted to make it one. This friendly threat could be a solid indication of the possible betrayal that fans have been anticipating for months.
#3 The Apex Predator constantly eyeing the WWE title
Over the course of his illustrious wrestling career, The Viper has been a 14-time world champion. One would think that at this stage in his career, he would be content with younger stars leading the charge. It appears that might not be the case.
Ever since Orton and Kevin Owens joined Cody in his feud against The Bloodline, fans have noticed the 44-year-old legend stealing looks at the Undisputed WWE Championship. The fact that he hasn't issued a formal challenge to Cody until now is a sign that he plans on catching his former protege off-guard.
After all, given Rhodes' tremendous win-loss record since his return in 2022, it would make sense for The Legend Killer to break the champion mentally first. A sudden heel turn would achieve that.
#2 Subtly causing friction between Cody Rhodes and Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens has shown that he values his friendship with Cody too much to bring out The Prizefighter. However, The American Nightmare's unlikely partnership with Roman Reigns has proven to be a real test of Owens' patience.
Given that K.O. has been feuding with The Bloodline since nearly the beginning of Reigns' heel turn, it makes sense as to why he would take offense with Cody working alongside The Head of the Table.
Interestingly, on the latest episode of SmackDown, Orton subtly added fuel to Owens' growing indifference with The Dashing One. He talked Cody into interfering in the main event, much to the Canadian star's annoyance. At this rate, it might not be long before The Apex Predator succeeds in separating the Undisputed WWE Champion from all his friends.
#1 Survivor Series 2024 getting closer
With Shawn Michaels being touted as Mr. WrestleMania for his classic 'Mania bouts and Seth Rollins being the uncrowned MVP of SummerSlam for repeatedly stealing the show at The Biggest Party of the Summer, Randy Orton deserves his flowers as Mr. Survivor Series.
From emerging as the sole survivor in his first three Survivor Series outings to successfully defending the WWE Championship at the PLE on three different occasions, The Viper tends to be untouchable when he fights on the November 'Bi-Four' event. In fact, his triumphant return from a career-threatening injury took place at Survivor Series 2023.
That said, one major milestone Orton hasn't yet achieved on the aforementioned show is winning a world championship. That could change this November and a timely heel turn on Cody could position The Legend Killer as the #1 contender for the Undisputed WWE Championship.
