Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes after a chaotic match that saw Brandi Rhodes get involved, two referees take low blows or heavy contact, and Cody leave his rival bleeding.

The finish came after Orton appeared to beg for forgiveness, only to strike Cody and replacement referee Eddie Orengo with low blows. Randy followed with an RKO, and original referee Charles Robinson recovered in time to count the pinfall.

Cody had made an explosive start, hitting a Cody Cutter and applying a figure four leglock. Orton escaped and gradually slowed the pace with stomps and attacks against the ropes, while a thumb to the eye cut off another Rhodes comeback.

The confrontation became more personal at ringside. After delivering two back suplexes onto the announce table, Orton approached Cody’s wife and mother again. Brandi responded by throwing her drink in his face.

Rhodes fought back with a powerslam and the Bionic Elbow, but Orton used another eye poke to regain control before connecting with his own powerslam and a hanging DDT.

Cody countered an RKO into Cross Rhodes for a near fall. However, Robinson was later caught between the two men in the corner, leaving nobody available to count when Randy successfully hit the RKO.

Orton then attempted a Punt, but Cody avoided it and delivered another Cross Rhodes. Randy rolled outside, where Robinson was knocked down again during the ensuing action.

An increasingly aggressive Cody repeatedly drove Orton’s face into the ring post and punched him against the announce table, shouting, “show me your worst”.

Rhodes then struck Randy with the steel steps, leaving him bleeding from the face. He targeted the wound before returning Orton to the ring for another Cody Cutter and two consecutive Cross Rhodes.

With Orton struggling on all fours, Cody lined up a Punt of his own. Randy collapsed, grabbed Cody’s leg and pleaded for forgiveness, but Rhodes brushed him away.

Orengo arrived to check on Orton and take over officiating duties. As Cody gently moved the referee aside, Randy delivered the low blows that opened the door for his decisive RKO.

Randy Orton won by pinfall following an RKO.

THE KILLER INSTINCT 😱@RandyOrton has defeated Cody Rhodes in his hometown! pic.twitter.com/2W9pAjEibc

, WWE (@WWE) September 7, 2026