Cody Rhodes Suggests Randy Orton's Drive for 17th WWE Title is His True Obsession

The relationship between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton has been marked by significant animosity ever since the formidable "Legend Killer" made his return to "Friday Night SmackDown," reigniting his long-standing rivalry with the "American Nightmare."

The two prominent figures in professional wrestling have frequently clashed, leading to a recent directive from SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis. Aldis mandated that neither competitor could initiate physical contact with the other before their scheduled match at Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta. A violation of this rule would result in both individuals being barred from contending for any WWE championship.

During their most recent face-to-face encounter, Orton attempted to provoke Rhodes into striking him, using strong language to label Rhodes as an "addict" and "sick" due to his overwhelming desire to become the champion. This raises a pertinent question within the context of professional wrestling: is such ambition inherently a negative trait?

Rhodes Addresses Orton's Accusations

Rhodes addressed Orton's pointed remarks in a recent interview.

He had said, 'addicted to winning the championship' and 'sick' and putting it in front of everything. What's the term kids use today? The rage bait, you know, or baiting me into ... because if I had hit him, then I don't get an opportunity for the WWE championship ever, and the same vice versa if he had hit me.

Rhodes elaborated on his perspective, shifting the focus back to Orton.

I hate to put it in such terms, but at King of the Ring, I beat Randy Orton. At WrestleMania, I beat Randy Orton. I feel the desperation and the addiction. Every pro wrestler, to your point, you're in this to win. You're not trying to get second on the podium. I've never trusted a wrestler ever — hell, I've never liked a wrestler ever — who said he didn't want to be champion.

However, Rhodes then offered a counter-argument regarding where the true "addiction" lies:

But I think that addiction and sickness is actually more on Randy's end because Randy's close to the record. He's close to 17. He's close to John. I think Randy also feels that he's not been given the credit as one of the, you know, the GOATs of modern WWE, someone who's going to go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it. He should know he is going to go down in history as one of the greatest to ever do it, but he's also going to go down in history as the guy who lost for a third time at Sunday Night's Main Event to his protege, which is me.

Upcoming Showdown and Future Implications

Rhodes, who is currently collaborating with Clash of Clans for its new "Search for Cena" event, is among the top contenders vying for a spot back in the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.

The highly anticipated match between Rhodes and Orton is expected to provide significant clarity regarding the championship landscape as the Money in the Bank event draws nearer.

Sunday Night's Main Event is also slated to feature several other notable contests, including a six-woman tag team match pitting Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Tatum Paxley against Jade Cargill, Michin, and B-Fab. Additionally, fans can look forward to a bout between Baron Corbin and Lil Yachty, and a clash between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker.