Yes, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes are friends in real life, even though their relationship has taken a very different turn on WWE television. The two have known each other for nearly two decades, going back to their days together in The Legacy. Orton was also one of the veterans who helped shape Rhodes during the early part of his WWE career.
Orton himself made it clear that the bond was still there while explaining his actions against Rhodes. On the March 20, 2026, episode of SmackDown, he said, “I love Cody like a brother, and I still do.” He then explained that “The American Nightmare” had pushed him to become The Viper again and embrace the ruthless side of his personality.
Randy Orton Helped Shape Cody Rhodes’ Career
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Their story dates back to The Legacy, the group Orton led with Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr. Rhodes was still developing as a WWE performer at the time, while Orton was already an established star.
That experience stayed with Rhodes long after The Legacy ended. Speaking about their WrestleMania 42 feud, Rhodes said they had “almost two decades of history” and called Orton his mentor. He also credited Orton with helping shape him as a performer.
Their history goes beyond simply being former stablemates. Orton was involved in Rhodes’ early WWE journey, and Rhodes has continued to speak positively about what he learned from him.
What Did Randy Orton Say About Cody Rhodes?
Orton’s comments during the 2026 feud offered perhaps the clearest indication that the rivalry was not being presented as a real-life falling-out.
Speaking about Rhodes and the impact he had on his mindset, “The Apex Predator” said:
“100% very proud. And even with everything that’s transpired, he only gave me his blessing to be who I needed to be, to be the Viper, to listen to the voices. Still love Cody like a brother now. Will tomorrow. And I will after I beat him for the Undisputed Championship. Am proud of Cody.”
That sentiment fits with what Orton said on SmackDown in March. He explained that he loved Rhodes like a brother but believed he needed to become the most dangerous version of himself to chase another world championship.
The WWE storyline has since become increasingly personal. Orton has attacked Rhodes and questioned his priorities, while Rhodes has repeatedly brought up their shared history and Orton’s influence on his career.
Why Did Randy Orton Turn on Cody Rhodes?
The turn was part of WWE’s storyline. Orton wanted to win another world championship and believed that becoming “The Viper” again was necessary to accomplish that goal.
Rhodes, meanwhile, has continued to acknowledge the complicated relationship between them. He has described Orton as both a mentor and someone who helped shape him, even while the two have been positioned against each other.
That is what makes their rivalry different from a simple disagreement between two WWE superstars. There is years of history behind it.
So, Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes are friends in real life. Their WWE feud may have changed how they interact on screen, but Orton’s own words and Rhodes’ comments about their history point to a relationship that extends well beyond their current storyline.
