Randy Orton tries to save the main event of WrestleMania as fans boo Cody Rhodes again
Cody Rhodes is defending the WWE championship against Randy Orton tomorrow night (Apr. 18) in the main event of WrestleMania Saturday.
Considering how much history there is between Rhodes and Orton, this should have been as easy story for WWE to tell after The Viper listened to the voices in his head and turned on Rhodes last month. Unfortunately, the biggest voice in his head belonged to former NFL punter Pat McAfee, whose forced addition to the angle quickly ruined the story.
On tonight’s (Apr. 17) go home episode of WrestleMania SmackDown, Orton tried to save the angle with a show-opening promo that fully explained why he betrayed Cody. First, Randy didn’t appreciate “that cocky son of a bitch” giving him permission to be himself again during their contract signing.
Orton then ran down a list of grievances he has that demonstrates Cody was always taking from him in their unbalanced friendship, and Orton was always giving (the fans loudly booed every time Randy said Cody’s name).
For example, Rhodes inexplicably chose Seth Rollins to be his partner against Roman Reigns and The Rock two years ago at WrestleMania 40, without ever giving Orton a call. Randy also mentioned how he put his body and career at risk for Rhodes in his later feuds against Solo Sikoa’s Bloodline and Kevin Owens.
Orton still had to shoehorn McAfee’s name into this promo even though the story clearly doesn’t need him. Orton said Pat has already done more for his career and legacy than Rhodes ever did, because the only thing Cody ever did was drag him down.
This was a hell of a promo and attempt to save the main event of WrestleMania 42, at least until McAfee was back on camera a few moments later. Pat insulted the dumb marks at home again as he and Orton drove out of the venue. For what it’s worth, Rhodes will appear later in the show to respond.
What’s your reaction to Randy Orton’s go home promo for the main event of WrestleMania 42? Let me know in the comments below, Cagesiders.
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