Randy Orton crossed another line in his rivalry with Cody Rhodes after targeting the former Undisputed WWE Champion’s family during a heated segment taped following this week’s Monday Night RAW. The Viper’s comments visibly angered Rhodes, but the two rivals were unable to settle their differences physically.
The segment took place after the latest edition of RAW went off the air in Ottawa, Canada, where WWE taped the August 28 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. Orton and Rhodes are scheduled to collide at Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6, 2026, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, with WWE keeping the two men apart until their match.
“The Apex Predator” used that situation to his advantage. During the in-ring promo, Orton went after Rhodes’ family, referring to Brandi Rhodes as his “trashy (expletive) wife.” He also insulted Cody’s mother, describing the Rhodes family as “trailer park trash.”
“The American Nightmare” was visibly furious as Orton continued, but he did not take the bait.
That restraint was important because SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis had previously enforced a strict hands-off policy, warning both competitors that any physical altercation before the match will result in severe consequences, including losing future Undisputed WWE Title opportunities.
Orton also reminded Rhodes of their violent history, bringing up the punt kick that he hit at WrestleMania 42 Night One that left Cody Rhodes sidelined for months.
“I kicked you in the face as hard as I could and left you disfigured for months.”
Cody Rhodes Fires Back at Randy Orton With Personal Shot at His Father
(Photo by Georgiana Dallas/WWE)
Rhodes eventually answered Orton without breaking the no-contact rule. Rather than throwing a punch, he went after The Viper’s family by bringing up his father, WWE Hall of Famer Bob Orton.
“The American Nightmare” called Bob a “first-class screw-up” while contrasting him with his own father, the legendary Dusty Rhodes. The response showed that Rhodes was willing to match Orton’s personal approach without giving him the physical confrontation he wanted.
The latest exchange adds another chapter to a rivalry built on a complicated history. Orton and Rhodes previously worked together in Legacy, and Orton’s return at SummerSlam 2026 reignited their issues when he interfered in Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship match against CM Punk.
The former partners have already shared a WrestleMania singles match, but their upcoming encounter carries a different tone following Orton’s latest verbal attack.
For now, the no-contact order remains in place. At Sunday Night’s Main Event, however, neither man will have to rely on words to settle the score and it will be interesting to see who comes out victorious.
