When Randy Orton stormed back onto the WWE SmackDown stage on , the arena didn’t just erupt—it trembled. The Viper hadn’t been seen since his mysterious disappearance after Survivor Series 2024, and now, with cold precision, he stared down the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes, and issued a challenge that sent shockwaves through the entire roster. The moment wasn’t just a comeback—it was a declaration of war.
Chaos in the Ring: Rhodes vs. Black, Then Everyone Else
The main event was supposed to be a non-title showdown between Cody Rhodes and Aleister Black. But what followed was less a match and more a full-blown brawl. Just as Rhodes looked poised to end it with the Cross Rhodes, Jey Uso (mistakenly credited as Jelina Vega in some reports) interfered, distracting the referee. Then came the real storm: Drew McIntyre sprinted in, clubbed the ref with a Claymore, and joined Black in pummeling Rhodes. The crowd went silent—then screamed. It wasn’t just an attack; it felt like an execution.Enter Sami Zayn. The Underdog of the Universe didn’t just run in—he flew. With a springboard dive that looked like it came straight out of a movie, Zayn cleared the ring. WWE’s official Twitter (@WWE) confirmed the chaos with a tweet on November 8: “This is TOTAL CHAOS! @DMcIntyreWWE and @Aleister_Blxck started an all out brawl with @CodyRhodes and @Aleister_Blxck 👊”. The match ended without a winner. But the real winner? The storyline.
Orton’s Return: The Viper’s Long Game
The moment everyone had been waiting for came right after the brawl. The lights dimmed. The familiar, haunting chords of “Voices” echoed through the arena. And then—he appeared. Randy Orton, in full gear, mask off, eyes locked on Rhodes. No words. Just a slow, deliberate walk to the center of the ring. He pointed at Rhodes. Then, with the same calm menace that made him a legend, he raised his hand and signaled for the RKO. The crowd’s roar was deafening. Later, backstage, Orton told a camera crew: “I didn’t come back to win a title. I came back to take something from him. Something he doesn’t even know he’s got.”Why now? Why after months of silence? The answer might lie in what happened last month. On the November 1 episode of SmackDown, Rhodes and McIntyre were scheduled to face off—but the match was abruptly changed. Sources close to the locker room say Orton had been quietly monitoring Rhodes’ every move since he won the Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 41. And now, with McIntyre out of the picture, Orton is positioning himself as the ultimate predator.
McIntyre Suspended, Zayn Steps In
The fallout was immediate. Nick Aldis, WWE’s Head of Talent Relations, appeared on the following night’s episode to announce McIntyre’s suspension for “conduct detrimental to the company.” It wasn’t just a slap on the wrist—it was a strategic move. By removing McIntyre, WWE cleared the path for Orton’s challenge. And Zayn? He didn’t just save Rhodes—he became his unlikely ally. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Rhodes told Zayn: “I don’t trust you. But right now, I don’t have anyone else.”Other Key Moments: Charlotte, Ilja, and the Road to Survivor Series
While the main story grabbed headlines, other matches set the tone for Survivor Series 2025. Charlotte Flair defeated Nia Jax in a brutal, physical brawl that ended with Flair locking in the Figure-Eight—her first clean win over Jax since 2023. Meanwhile, Ilja Dragunov accepted an open challenge from a surprise entrant—Jeyd Kargill—and won in under five minutes, signaling he’s a serious contender for the upcoming Elimination Chamber.What’s Next? Raw, WrestlePalooza, and the Return of AJ Lee
The ripple effects are already spreading. On , AJ Lee is expected to return at Madison Square Garden during WWE Raw, marking her first appearance since 2018. Rumors suggest she’s been training with the women’s division and could be positioning herself for a title shot against Tiffany Stratton.And then there’s WWE WrestlePalooza 2025—a one-night extravaganza set for December. With confirmed appearances from John Cena and C.M. Punk, the event could be the biggest of the year. But for now, all eyes are on November 17. Will AJ Lee’s return shift the balance of power? And will Orton finally get his RKO on Rhodes?
Why This Matters
This wasn’t just another episode of SmackDown. It was a turning point. Orton’s return isn’t nostalgia—it’s a reckoning. Rhodes has spent the last year as the face of WWE, the symbol of resilience. But Orton? He’s the ghost of what WWE used to be: cold, calculating, ruthless. And he’s not here to be liked. He’s here to take back what he believes was stolen.The Survivor Series 2025 team selections are already forming. With McIntyre suspended, Zayn aligned with Rhodes, and Orton looming like a storm cloud, the landscape has changed. And if you think this ends here—you’re not paying attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Randy Orton return now, and what does he want from Cody Rhodes?
Orton’s return isn’t random—he’s targeting Rhodes’ psychological edge. Since winning the Undisputed Championship, Rhodes has become WWE’s moral center, a symbol of perseverance. Orton, a master manipulator, believes Rhodes’ greatest strength—his integrity—is his weakness. By targeting him now, Orton aims to break Rhodes’ spirit before Survivor Series, turning his legacy into a cautionary tale.
What’s the significance of Drew McIntyre’s suspension?
McIntyre’s suspension isn’t just punishment—it’s narrative engineering. WWE removed him to isolate Cody Rhodes, making him vulnerable to Orton’s attack. It also clears the path for Zayn to emerge as Rhodes’ protector, deepening their alliance. This sets up a potential three-way feud at Survivor Series: Orton vs. Rhodes vs. Zayn, with the championship on the line.
How does AJ Lee’s return impact the women’s division?
AJ Lee’s return to Madison Square Garden on November 17 could redefine the women’s title picture. With Tiffany Stratton holding the belt and Charlotte Flair dominating the main roster, AJ brings a chaotic, high-flying style that hasn’t been seen in WWE since 2018. Her presence could spark a new generation of underdog challengers and even lead to a dream match against her former rival, Trish Stratus.
What role does Ilja Dragunov play in the upcoming storylines?
Ilja Dragunov’s open challenge win over Jeyd Kargill proves he’s a serious threat in the mid-card. His technical brutality and intense demeanor make him a perfect foil for the more charismatic stars. He’s likely being positioned for the Elimination Chamber match, where he could challenge for the Intercontinental Championship—or even disrupt the main event by targeting Orton or Rhodes.
Is there a connection between this SmackDown and WWE Evolution 2025?
Yes. WWE Evolution 2025, held in July, marked the first all-women’s PPV since 2019, where Tiffany Stratton defeated Trish Stratus. That moment elevated Stratton as the new face of the women’s division. The Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax match on SmackDown was a direct continuation of that storyline—showing how the women’s division is now a cornerstone of WWE’s narrative, not just a supporting act.
What’s the bigger picture for Survivor Series 2025?
Survivor Series 2025 will likely center on a power struggle between the Orton-Rhodes-Zayn triangle and a surprise team led by AJ Lee and Ilja Dragunov. With McIntyre suspended and John Cena potentially appearing at WrestlePalooza, WWE is building toward a generational clash. The event could see the Undisputed Championship change hands for the first time since WrestleMania 41—and Orton might be the one to take it.
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