Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, in a hard-hitting rematch that saw Orton use a low blow and RKO to secure victory, according to Indiatimes.
The showdown between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia, delivered a dramatic conclusion to a feud that had simmered since early 2026. Orton emerged victorious after a brutal contest, with the Viper using a low blow on both Rhodes and the referee before hitting his signature RKO, as reported by Indiatimes. The match, which had been formally announced by WWE SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis on August 15, 2026, was the culmination of a storyline that began when Orton turned heel ahead of his WrestleMania 42 championship match against Rhodes, according to wrestlinginc.com.
The Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton Showdown
The rivalry between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton escalated after Orton’s controversial alignment with sports media personality Pat McAfee during the lead-up to their WrestleMania 42 clash for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Fans were disappointed with McAfee’s involvement, and the match itself was poorly received. After Orton failed to win the title, he took a hiatus before returning at SummerSlam, where he hit an RKO on Rhodes to prevent him from winning against CM Punk. The feud reignited when Aldis officially scheduled their rematch for Sunday Night’s Main Event, stating, I have made it happen. Sunday, September 6, Sunday's Night Main Event, State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, Cody Rhodes gets his chance at revenge when he goes one-one with Randy Orton,
according to wrestlinginc.com.
During the match, Rhodes’ wife, Brandi Rhodes, entered the ring and threw a drink at Orton, adding to the chaos. The referee was temporarily removed and replaced, allowing Orton to execute a low blow on both Rhodes and the official before finishing him with an RKO. The victory marked a significant moment for Orton, who had been seeking redemption after his WrestleMania loss and subsequent absence from the ring.
Other Key Matches and Storylines
While the main event stole the spotlight, several other matches highlighted the card. Bronson Reed made a surprise return, aiding Bron Breakker in a hard-hitting bout against Oba Femi, which ended in a disqualification after Reed’s interference. Meanwhile, Lil Hatchy made his WWE in-ring debut, defeating Baron Corbin with a low blow to secure a US title shot for Trick Williams, who later reclaimed the WWE United States Championship.
The six-woman tag team match featured Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley facing Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab, with Cargill’s team emerging victorious. In the opening contest, Joe Hendry faced Dominik Mysterio, with The Judgment Day’s interference helping Mysterio secure a win via the 619 and frog splash.
The Feud’s Turbulent History
The Orton-Rhodes feud had its roots in Orton’s heel turn during the buildup to WrestleMania 42, where he sought to undermine Rhodes’ title aspirations. However, the storyline faced backlash when WWE and TKO aligned Orton with Pat McAfee, a move that drew criticism from fans. The WrestleMania match itself was widely panned, and Orton’s subsequent hiatus left the rivalry in limbo until his return at SummerSlam. The decision to book the rematch at Sunday Night’s Main Event was seen as an attempt to re-engage fans who had grown frustrated with the feud’s direction, according to wrestlinginc.com.
The outcome of the Orton-Rhodes match sets the stage for potential future confrontations, with Rhodes likely to seek redemption in subsequent storylines. With WWE continuing to navigate its roster dynamics, the results of Sunday Night’s Main Event could influence the direction of key rivalries and title pursuits in the coming months.
