Randy Orton’s Money in the Bank hopes may be over, but his pursuit of a 15th world championship is still very much alive.

On the September 25 episode of WWE SmackDown, The Viper made it clear that his qualifying defeat the previous week had done nothing to change his ambitions. He also had plenty to say about Cody Rhodes.

Orton approached Michael Cole at the commentary desk early in the show and demanded an interview later that evening. By the time they sat down, Cole had already spoken with Rhodes, leaving Orton eager to hear what The American Nightmare had said about him.

Cole initially brought up Rhodes’ comments about Orton being compromised. However, Orton wanted to know what had been said once the cameras stopped rolling. Cole revealed that Rhodes had threatened to kick Orton’s head off.

That prompted Orton to question how much Rhodes himself had changed throughout his career. Pointing to Cody’s various personas over the past 20 years, Orton argued that Rhodes had been “compromised” along the way, although he still considered him a good person.

Orton then explained why he sees himself differently. While wrestlers often describe their best characters as their own personalities turned up to eleven, he believes he has always been himself turned up to one.

He has no intention of changing that approach, even admitting he would do “despicable things” to get what he wants: another world championship.

Orton also believes another showdown with Rhodes is inevitable. When that moment comes, he suggested Cody will have to decide whether to follow through on his threat.

In Orton’s view, kicking his head off would mean Rhodes had compromised himself. Refusing to do it would suggest he had already reached his ceiling.

The Viper then pressed Cole on whether he believed Rhodes would actually deliver that kick. When Cole hesitated, Orton demanded a straightforward yes or no.

“No,” Cole eventually answered.

“I think you’re dead on,” Orton replied, before wishing Cole a great rest of the show and ending the interview.

Missing out on Money in the Bank has closed one route to the gold, but Orton remains determined to claim world title number 15.

"I never changed" 😯@RandyOrton believes there is only one man in the locker room who has not let evolution change his legacy...HIM! pic.twitter.com/PHToZYXlO8

, WWE (@WWE) September 26, 2026