Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton 2025 King of the Ring Final: Who Truly Earned the Crown?
Date: June 28, 2025
Event: Night of Champions 2025
Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
WWE fans knew this wasn’t just a match, this was storytelling at its peak. Cody Rhodes, the “American Nightmare,” battled his longtime mentor-turned-rival, Randy Orton, in the King of the Ring 2025 Final, a match brimming with history, tension, and championship implications.
From Legacy ties to betrayal, from Dusty Rhodes’ legacy to Orton’s RKO dominance, this wasn’t about just a crown, it was about validation, closure, and destiny.
Who Won the 2025 King of the Ring Final: Cody Rhodes or Randy Orton?
On June 28, 2025, at Night of Champions in Riyadh, Cody Rhodes emerged victorious, defeating former mentor Randy Orton to claim the 2025 King of the Ring title and a future shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship. With the crowd chanting his name and echoes of his father’s legacy in the air, Rhodes executed two Cross Rhodes in succession, secured the pinfall, and walked out as King Cody, marking one of his career’s most monumental wins.
How Did Cody Rhodes Defeat Randy Orton in the King of the Ring Final?
The bell rang and the match took off like a slow, psychological duel straight out of a thriller novel. Randy Orton launched a relentless attack, methodically targeting Cody’s neck with vicious blows and a signature elevated DDT, classic Viper strategy at its finest. Fans across the globe, itching for details on “Did Cody Rhodes win King of the Ring 2025?”, knew they were witnessing elite storytelling in the ring.
Rhodes weathered the storm. After surviving a brutal RKO attempt, he flipped the script with a sudden mid-air Disaster Kick, igniting chants of “Cody! Cody!” from the Riyadh crowd. Riding that wave of momentum, he countered Orton’s punt kick setup with a bionic elbow, a resonant tribute to Dusty Rhodes that struck fans with emotional force.
Just when things seemed tilted toward Orton, who reached desperately for a steel chair—the referee intervened, clearing the danger. Seizing his moment, Cody shoved Orton into an exposed turnbuckle and followed up with two hammering Cross Rhodes. The second one covered Orton for the decisive 1-2-3.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
New 2025 King of the Ring Champion
This wasn’t a cheap win, it was a clean, hard-fought victory drenched in legacy, determination, and payback.
Why Did Randy Orton Hesitate on the Punt Kick Against Cody Rhodes?
An intense moment of hesitation unfolded just as Orton was setting up for the lethal punt kick. He paused mid-stride allegedly due to ring fatigue and the drama in the moment, giving Rhodes the opportunity to roll away and execute his comeback. That fleeting hesitation underscored how tiny mental cracks can turn the tide in a match as personal and high-stakes as this one .
Did Randy Orton Get Injured During the King of the Ring Final?
Yes. Reports confirmed Orton suffered a back injury during the brutal contest, raising real concern about his ability to compete at SummerSlam. The injury came after a series of high-impact moves, including the highly publicized Disaster Kick and DDT, making this win all the more dramatic for Cody and all the more uncertain for Orton’s future.
What Was the Significance of Cody Rhodes Winning King of the Ring 2025?
This win marked a profound turning point in Rhodes’ career. As the son of “American Dream” Dusty Rhodes, Cody has frequently carried the weight of his father’s legacy. Winning King of the Ring not only gives him the “King Cody” moniker, but also positions him firmly as a main-event caliber star heading into SummerSlam 2025, where he’s set to face John Cena . It’s a symbolic culmination of his journey from WWE prodigy to fully-fledged legacy bear, now commanding both ring and narrative spotlight.
This wasn’t just Orton vs Rhodes. It was the ghost of Dusty vs. the cold-blooded executioner.
Which Memorable Moves Defined the Rhodes–Orton Showdown in Riyadh?
This match was full of high-stakes drama:
- Orton’s elevated DDT nearly ended it early.
- Rhodes’ Disaster Kick marked a shift in control.
- The bionic elbow, a tribute to Dusty Rhodes, energized the crowd and reminded everyone of Cody’s roots.
- The final blow came with two Cross Rhodes, executed cleanly and decisively under the Saudi lights
How Will Cody Rhodes’ Win Set Him Up for SummerSlam 2025?
This victory effectively booked Cody a title match against John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, pitting King Cody against the 17-time World Champion. Fan searches like “Cody Rhodes SummerSlam opponent” and “King Cody vs John Cena SummerSlam” are already trending. This pending showdown promises high drama, a chance for Cody to avenge past losses and solidify his top-tier WWE status.
What Does This Match Reveal About the Rhodes–Orton Rivalry’s Next Chapter?
Their shared Legacy stable past lay at the heart of this match. WWE creative hinted at continuing dramatic tension: Orton’s back injury, Cody’s dominant win, and the somber post-match atmosphere suggest this might not be the end. Fans are already debating on Reddit whether Cody’s momentum signals a heel turn or deeper complexity in his character. This could evolve into one of WWE’s most layered long-term feuds .
Where Can Fans Watch Cody Rhodes’ King of the Ring Live Match?
The full match is available on WWE Network, Peacock (U.S.), and Netflix (international). Highlight reels and clips are also searchable with terms like “Cody vs Orton KOTR final highlights” or “King Cody match replay”, making it easy for fans to relive every Cross Rhodes and RKO counter.
What Are the Fan and Social Media Reactions to Rhodes vs. Orton KOTR Final?
Social buzz lit up with praise:
- “Best King of the Ring final in years”
- “Cody’s bionic elbow is chilling—it hit home”.
On Reddit, one fan noted:
“Cody’s such a great promo man… working a more vicious style”.
Searches such as “Cody Rhodes RKO counter analysis” and “Rhodes Orton King of the Ring drama” spiked, highlighting high engagement. Media outlets like Times of India and Bleacher Report graded the match as a standout moment, setting the SummerSlam narrative on fire
Looking to own a piece of this historic rivalry? While Cody’s crown may be new, Randy Orton’s legendary legacy lives on through our exclusive Randy Orton Replica Side Plates and Randy Orton “Signature Series” Championship Replica Title Belts. Explore them now at TheChampions.biz, where WWE legends come to life!
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