The Viper will appear in Philadelphia after costing Cody Rhodes the WWE Championship
Summary
– Randy Orton is confirmed for the August 7 episode of WWE SmackDown in Philadelphia
– Orton returned at SummerSlam and helped CM Punk retain against Cody Rhodes
– The appearance continues Orton’s rivalry with Rhodes following their WrestleMania 42 match
Randy Orton will return to WWE SmackDown only days after shocking Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.
Xfinity Mobile Arena announced that Orton will appear during the August 7 episode of SmackDown in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
“The Viper Randy Orton returns to SmackDown after RKOing Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam,” the venue announced through its social media accounts.
The arena also introduced a ticket promotion connected to Orton’s appearance. Fans can use the code “LASTCHANCE” to receive 30 percent off select tickets until Friday at 10 a.m.
WWE has not announced exactly what Orton will do during the show, but his return allows him to explain why he attacked Rhodes during one of SummerSlam’s most important matches.
Orton made his first WWE appearance in approximately four months during the August 1 event.
Cody Rhodes was challenging CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship when the referee was knocked down. Orton suddenly entered the ring and delivered an RKO to his former Legacy partner.
The attack left Rhodes vulnerable, allowing Punk to connect with the GTS before retaining his championship.
Punk did not appear to see Orton’s interference, leaving questions about whether the champion knew anything about the attack in advance.
For Rhodes, there is considerably less uncertainty.
Orton deliberately prevented him from regaining the championship and continued a rivalry that began before WrestleMania 42.
The two former Legacy members entered WrestleMania with their friendship destroyed and the Undisputed WWE Championship at the center of their conflict.
Rhodes defeated Orton in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One, but The Viper refused to accept the loss quietly.
After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes with the championship and delivered a Punt Kick. The assault removed Rhodes from WWE television, while Orton also disappeared following the event.
Orton remained absent throughout the summer until returning during Rhodes’ championship match at SummerSlam.
His actions showed that the WrestleMania loss had not ended their rivalry.
Instead of immediately challenging Punk for the championship, Orton focused entirely on hurting Rhodes and preventing him from winning the title.
That decision suggests his primary motivation remains personal revenge rather than championship success.
Rhodes now has another reason to pursue Orton after recovering from the WrestleMania attack and having his SummerSlam opportunity taken away.
WWE’s official event page lists Rhodes among the featured stars for the Philadelphia show, although the company has not announced a confrontation between the two rivals.
If both men appear, their first meeting since SummerSlam could become one of the most important moments of the episode.
Orton could explain whether the RKO was simply revenge for WrestleMania or part of a larger plan to destroy Rhodes’ championship ambitions.
CM Punk may also want answers after Orton directly influenced the outcome of his title defense.
Although Punk benefited from the interference, the champion could take issue with someone interfering in his match without his knowledge.
The situation gives WWE several possible directions heading into SmackDown.
Orton could resume his direct rivalry with Rhodes, pursue Punk and the Undisputed WWE Championship, or attempt to create problems between the two men.
What is already clear is that his SummerSlam return was not a one-night appearance.
The Viper will be in Philadelphia for SmackDown, and Cody Rhodes could be waiting for an explanation after another championship opportunity ended with an RKO.
