Jason Burgos
Heading into Elimination Chamber last month, the expectation was that Cody Rhodes would win the match and set up a final clash with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42. Instead, WWE fans were thrown a curveball when Randy Orton surprised by booking a ticket to the April mega-event. Well, fans got another unexpected storyline pivot on Friday’s SmackDown.
After regaining the WWE Undisputed title last week, Orton faced the new champ for Wrestlemania 42, Rhodes, in a classic WWE contract signing. Yet, despite the titlist showering his long-time friend with love and shaking hands, what many fans speculated about for years finally happened, and Orton’s true “Viper” form returned.
To the dismay of fans in Phoenix, the title challenger viciously attacked Rhodes. Ripping his shirt to shreds, leaving him an unconscious, bloody heap after a nasty chair shot to the face. While the creative pivot caught many off guard, we look at five reasons why Orton’s heel turn on SmackDown was best for business.
Randy Orton is just better as a heel
Do you know why Orton is a wrestling legend? Sure, the 14 world titles play a role. Likewise, for his outstanding wrestling throughout his career, and having one of the best finishes in WWE history. But more than anything, it’s because he is a dangerous and unpredictable character. And that character is at its best when it strikes viciously against fan favorites.
Orton became a star in the company by being “the legend killer.” As well as for being the foil to fan-favorites like John Cena and Batista. While he is a likable baby face, that is not his best form. The future Hall of Famer is at his very best as a bad guy, and now fans will get that in what could be his final WWE title match.
A Randy Orton heel turn is actually refreshing
For those fans who feel they needed something new in the WWE main event picture and are pushing for a Rhodes heel turn, Orton going bad is actually different than what we have gotten in recent years. Due to injuries and a part-time schedule, this is probably the longest baby face run of Orton’s career.
For several years now, he has been the lovable hero who will randomly hit anyone with an RKO. For a fanbase who loves legends playing the hits just as much as they crave something new, Orton’s return to his classic form is refreshing, while nostalgic.
It’s similar to Cena doing his trademark schtick for the second half of his retirement tour. And fans ate that up for months. The real “Viper” being back is something we haven’t seen on WWE TV in a long time.
Orton and Rhodes, as pals on the road to WrestleMania 42 lacked sizzle
WWE fans are well aware of Orton and Rhodes’ years-long bond. It has been on full display in the years since Rhodes returned to WWE television. Could the company have gone with them still being like brothers into WrestleMania 42? Sure. But that also could have delivered some lackluster TV.
However, the pair being at each other’s throats as another WWE friendship goes down the tubes offers far more interesting creative ideas over the next few weeks. Especially as the company aims to fill Allegiant Stadium for both nights of WrestleMania 42.
Angry Cody Rhodes is a far better Cody Rhodes
Fickle WWE fans have had a love-hate relationship with Rhodes over the last year. They have grown tired of the beloved hero they couldn’t get enough of as he looked to finish the story two years ago. But they are quick to jump on socials and praise him when Rhodes gets angry and cuts a great promo that they couldn’t help but like.
Heading into the biggest event of the year and a match with a close friend, pulling that angry version of Rhodes back out makes sense. Furthermore, it will keep those fickle fans quieter on the road to the event, and the clash of angry Rhodes and vicious Orton could deliver some fantastic TV over the next few weeks.
The Randy Orton heel turn was best for business
Speaking of those fickle fans, they have been the loudest ones pushing for a Rhodes heel turn. However, as much as they want entertainment — and want it now — WWE is still a business. The current WWE Champion is one of their biggest stars. He puts butts in seats, sells events during media appearances and tons of merchandise. He is a money-making machine for the company. Upending that for the sake of something different creatively doesn’t make business sense right now.
Furthermore, Orton isn’t the same sort of money-maker that his long-time pal is. So changing his character is far less of a risk, and as mentioned above, it makes even more sense because it gives viewers the best version of him. Rhodes turning may eventually happen, and if fans are booing him on the road to ‘Mania, it is a guarantee. But right now, an Orton turn is far better for business.
