WWE is setting up a catastrophic confrontation on SmackDown as Randy Orton, fresh off his shocking heel turn, has been officially teased to attack again—with Cody Rhodes‘s closest allies, including the recently blindsided Matt Cardona, in the crosshairs. With Rhodes returning to confront his former mentor and multiple WrestleMania storylines converging, this episode promises to reshape the WWE landscape.
The official WWE SmackDown preview for March 27 delivers a foreboding question: “Who will Randy Orton attack next?” This rhetorical framing, straight from WWE’s event page, all but confirms that Orton’s violent spree is far from over following his stunning heel turn [WWE’s official SmackDown preview]. The message is clear: no one in Cody Rhodes‘s orbit is safe.
Last week’s unprovoked assault on Matt Cardona was Orton’s first physical act as a villain, and it was deeply personal. Cardona is publicly recognized as one of Rhodes’ “five real friends,” a bond explicitly highlighted on the “What Do You Wanna Talk About?” series just prior to the attack [Athlon Sports’ full report]. By targeting Cardona, Orton didn’t just injure a performer—he launched a psychological war against Rhodes’ core identity and loyalty.
Adding fuel to the fire, Cody Rhodes is scheduled to return to SmackDown this week. WWE made the announcement during last week’s broadcast, yet his name is curiously absent from the official online preview—a deliberate tactic to preserve an element of surprise and maximize the impact of his entrance [Athlon Sports]. Rhodes walking into an arena where his friend lies vulnerable and his adversary is hunting creates a perfect storm for a defining confrontation.
The physical and psychological stakes are mirrored in Orton’s prop—a chair—evoking iconic moments like The Rock wielding Cody Rhodes‘s championship belt during their 2024 feud. This visual storytelling underscores that Orton’s attack is a calculated, symbolic dismantling of everything Rhodes has built.
SmackDown originates from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, with live coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network. Beyond the Orton-Rhodes epicenter, the card is loaded with matches that directly feed into WrestleMania weekend storylines:
- Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. The Bella Twins: This tag team opener is widely seen as the foundation for a multi-team Women’s Tag Team Title match at WrestleMania.
- Nick Aldis to address Jacob Fatu & Drew McIntyre: An update on the condition of both men is expected after their recent brutal clash.
- Jelly Roll vs. Kit Wilson: This advertised singles match is highly unlikely to be straightforward so close to WrestleMania, hinting at further narrative complications.
- Giulia vs. Tiffany Stratton: A non-title bout designed to build tension for a potential Women’s United States Championship match during WrestleMania week.
- Jade Cargill (with Michin & B-Fab): Cargill’s “Takeover” faction appears, while Rhea Ripley looms as a vengeful force, suggesting an imminent collision.
Fan speculation is already running wild. Could Rhodes’ other close allies, such as AJ Styles or LA Knight, be next on Orton’s hit list? How will this vendetta affect the Undisputed WWE Championship picture if Rhodes’ focus is fractured? Orton’s strategy is diabolical: by making Rhodes’ friendships a liability, he attempts to weaponize the very thing that defines Rhodes’ legacy.
This SmackDown transcends a simple attack; it’s about narrative control in the final stretch before WrestleMania. For Rhodes, the challenge is twofold: protect his friends and maintain his championship trajectory. For Orton, it’s about proving his new villainous persona is the most dominant force in WWE. The aftermath of this episode will reverberate directly into the Road to WrestleMania, making it a must-watch for any invested fan.
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