In a shocking moment during Friday's SmackDown, Randy Orton brutally attacked his former friend Cody Rhodes, turning heel in a contract signing segment that left fans divided. The violent betrayal came just hours after Rhodes discussed his polarizing reception with media personality Chris Van Vliet, where he admitted he doesn't care about fan boos. The decision to turn Orton heel instead of Rhodes has reignited debates about WWE's booking strategy and the future of its top stars.
The Shocking Heel Turn That Divided WWE Fans
As the Undisputed WWE Championship contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton unfolded, tensions escalated quickly. After Rhodes declared his love for Orton, the veteran wrestler responded with a vicious attack, leaving Rhodes bloodied in the ring. Orton then shoved Jelly Roll, who had rushed to check on his injured friend, before taking a seat with the championship belt. The crowd's reaction was telling—many chanted Orton's name, suggesting WWE may have misjudged fan sentiment.
Why Fans Reacted So Strongly to Orton's Turn
Orton's heel turn was unexpected, but the crowd's response indicated that Rhodes' babyface persona may have worn thin. The veteran wrestler, nearing the end of his career, has a history of earning fan sympathy, much like Hulk Hogan did during his infamous 2002 feud with The Rock. Despite Hogan's villainous actions, fans rallied behind him at WrestleMania X-8, proving that veteran status can sometimes override heel turns.
Cody Rhodes' Polarizing Persona and WWE's Booking Dilemma
Rhodes' claim that he was never a polarizing wrestler rings hollow to many fans, particularly those who watched his time in AEW. His refusal to turn heel in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) fueled backlash, and his vow never to do so may have inadvertently made him a villain. In WWE, Rhodes initially received a hero's welcome, but recent storylines have soured some fans. His repeated losses to Drew McIntyre, often due to cheating, and his attempts to claim credit for CM Punk's Survivor Series team have contributed to his declining popularity.
At AEW, I think trying to do what I was doing there at the end was just a bit too meta. For me to do that, to turn heel, is by saying verbally out loud, 'I’m not going to do it'—which is being a heel. But that’s not—it didn’t work, in a sense.
The John Cena and Roman Reigns Precedent
WWE's decision to let Rhodes remain a babyface despite fan backlash mirrors its handling of John Cena and Roman Reigns. Both wrestlers faced split crowds, with fans chanting 'Cena Sucks' and 'Roman Sucks' during their reigns. However, WWE never turned Cena heel, likely due to his merchandise sales and charitable work. Reigns, on the other hand, eventually turned heel, leading to renewed fan interest. The company's reluctance to address Rhodes' declining popularity suggests it may be repeating past mistakes.
The Broader Implications for WWE's Storytelling
WWE's decision to turn Orton heel instead of Rhodes raises questions about its long-term storytelling. Rhodes' current babyface status leaves WWE with few compelling heel challengers, potentially leading to stagnant programming. Had WWE turned Rhodes heel, it could have created a fresh villain and opened new storylines, particularly with rising stars like Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn. Instead, the company risks alienating fans who are growing tired of Rhodes' character.
The Missed Opportunity for a Shocking Twist
A heel turn for Rhodes could have been justified by his dismissive attitude toward fans, as seen in his interview with Chris Van Vliet. His statement, 'I don’t care that you boo me because I’ve seen what you cheer,' could have been the catalyst for a villainous transformation. Such a move would have allowed WWE to breathe new life into its storytelling and address fan frustrations head-on.
- Randy Orton's heel turn on SmackDown stunned fans and reignited debates about WWE's booking strategy.
- Cody Rhodes' declining popularity in WWE mirrors his polarizing reception in AEW, where fans rejected his babyface persona.
- WWE's decision to let Rhodes remain a babyface despite fan backlash risks repeating past mistakes with John Cena and Roman Reigns.
- Turning Orton heel instead of Rhodes leaves WWE with few compelling challengers for Rhodes' title.
- A heel turn for Rhodes could have addressed fan frustrations and opened new storylines for rising stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Randy Orton turn heel on Cody Rhodes?
- Orton's heel turn was a surprise move during a contract signing segment on SmackDown. The decision was likely made to capitalize on Orton's veteran status and fan sympathy, similar to Hulk Hogan's turn in 2002.
- Why are fans booing Cody Rhodes?
- Fans have grown tired of Rhodes' character, particularly due to WWE's booking decisions. His repeated losses to Drew McIntyre and attempts to claim credit for CM Punk's team have contributed to his declining popularity.
- Could Cody Rhodes still turn heel in the future?
- It's possible, especially if WWE wants to address fan frustrations and create new storylines. His dismissive attitude toward fans could be the catalyst for a villainous transformation.
