The July 4th, 2025 episode of WWE SmackDown from Riyadh wasn’t just another post-PPV fallout show, it was storytelling at its peak. The crowd was still buzzing from the epic King of the Ring final, where Cody Rhodes narrowly defeated his mentor Randy Orton. On this night, Cody stepped into the ring not to fight, but to speak and fans knew something big was coming.
Standing center-stage with his newly won crown, Cody took a moment to acknowledge a young fan in the audience named Cam, a child battling leukemia. “There’s a young man in Club 66 — his name is Cam, he’s battling leukemia… let’s hear it for Cam.” That emotional nod reminded fans that Cody Rhodes isn’t just a competitor, he’s a champion of heart.
Cody then transitioned into reflecting on his journey, saying, “I left a piece of myself in Columbus… I left a piece of myself in Riyadh, wrestling my mentor Randy Orton.” It was a vulnerable admission, delivered with the weight of someone who just survived one of the most mentally and physically demanding matches of his career. “What does this crown stand for?” Cody asked the crowd, “Where we’ve been, and where we’re going… the main event of SummerSlam. Myself, the King of the Ring, against the Undisputed WWE Champion, John Cena.”
What Happened Between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes on SmackDown July 4, 2025?
Before Cody could finish, Randy Orton’s music hit, and the arena’s energy flipped in an instant. Orton walked out with that cold, measured intensity fans know well, but this wasn’t a vengeful interruption. It was something more layered.
Why Did Randy Orton Tell Cody Rhodes to "Kick John Cena’s A**"?
Randy stood face-to-face with the man who had just bested him and said, “Cody, for weeks and weeks I told you I would do whatever it took to win at King of the Ring. I told you I would not hesitate. But at Night of Champions, I had you dead to rights, I had you laying there, I was about to rearrange your skull, brother—but I hesitated.” It was a stunning confession, one that revealed Orton’s inner conflict during their match.
And then, Orton dropped the line that sent the WWE Universe buzzing: “You didn’t hesitate. You pulled the trigger. And for that, I respect you.”
The crowd erupted. Orton’s language wasn’t PG, and neither was the emotion behind it. His now-viral line — “Randy Orton to Cody Rhodes: Kick John Cena’s ass” became the talk of the WWE Universe, and more than just a quote. It was a passing of the torch, not just to a fellow wrestler, but to a man who had finally earned his respect.
This segment wasn’t about physicality — no finishers, no interferences, no chaos. And yet, it might have been one of the most impactful moments in WWE storytelling this year. The phrase “Randy Orton to Cody Rhodes Kick John Cena” echoed across social media and highlight reels, setting the tone for Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena at SummerSlam 2025, a main event carrying more than just a championship. It now bears the weight of legacy, vengeance, and the burden of promises made.
For the fans who’ve been asking, “Why did Orton hesitate?” or “What did Orton say to Cody on SmackDown?”, this promo gave them answers wrapped in emotion. And for those wondering if Cody Rhodes is ready to take that final step into WWE greatness — July 4th, 2025 might have been the moment he truly became the man to carry the company forward.
How Did Cody React to Randy Orton’s Request to “Kick John Cena’s A**"?
Cody didn’t need to speak a word in response. His expression told the entire story. Cody didn’t flinch. There was no smirk, no cocky swagger — just a nod, eyes locked with Orton’s, as if to say: “I understand. I will.”. The silence in his response spoke volumes, Cody wasn’t the same hesitant man Orton remembered.
What Role Did Drew McIntyre Play in Interrupting Orton and Cody?
Right after Randy Orton’s emotional endorsement of Cody Rhodes, tensions snapped as Drew McIntyre stormed into the ring, and the temperature shifted instantly. “You’re not the Apex Predator anymore,” McIntyre barked, accusing Orton of riding Cody’s coattails and questioning whether the once-deadly Viper had gone soft since his injury return. The words stung, and so did the response. With zero hesitation, Orton hit a lightning-fast RKO that dropped McIntyre mid-ring, sending a clear message: The Viper hasn’t lost a step. That single move reignited fan searches like “Randy Orton vs Drew McIntyre feud 2025” and hinted at a brutal clash brewing as WWE steers toward SummerSlam.
Was Randy Orton’s RKO to Drew McIntyre a Hint at a Bigger Rivalry?
Absolutely. That RKO wasn’t a one-off, it’s a statement: Orton still dominates. WWE quickly confirmed that live on Saturday Night’s Main Event (aired July 12), Orton and McIntyre would face off, directly following their clash on SmackDown.
How Is WWE Building Tension for Cody Rhodes vs. John Cena at SummerSlam 2025?
Orton’s command wasn’t just bold, it was strategic storytelling. WWE is setting Cody up to attack with fierce intent, not hesitation. This live ring moment plays perfectly across demographics from U.S. fans to Saudi viewers, pressuring Cody to act with resolve. Expect promos now to weave in Orton’s warning, feeding into Cena-Rhodes storyline intensity.
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