Cody Rhodes to Punt Randy Orton at Crown Jewel
Rhodes vows revenge in a Last Man Standing match scheduled for November 7 in Riyadh.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Wrestling
Cody Rhodes announced plans to deliver a punt to Randy Orton during their upcoming Last Man Standing match at Crown Jewel on November 7, 2026. Rhodes is seeking retribution for an injury he sustained from Orton at WrestleMania 42.
Why it matters
The match serves as a high-stakes confrontation fueled by a long-standing grievance involving Orton's signature move. Rhodes aims to settle the score in Riyadh by utilizing the same maneuver that previously sidelined him.
Randy Orton has utilized the punt as a finisher against numerous opponents throughout his career. Rhodes is specifically targeting the move following the injury he suffered at WrestleMania 42.
The players
Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes is a professional wrestler currently seeking retribution for a past injury.
Randy Orton
Randy Orton is a veteran professional wrestler known for his historical use of the punt maneuver.
The details
Cody Rhodes confirmed his intent to target Orton with the punt during a promotional speech on SmackDown. The Last Man Standing stipulation ensures the match continues until one competitor cannot answer a ten-count, providing the necessary environment for the promised retaliation.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: Cody Rhodes delivered his promotional speech on SmackDown.
November 7, 2026: Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are scheduled to compete at Crown Jewel in Riyadh.
Season Trajectory
The match marks a pivotal escalation in the rivalry as it reaches a climax in the Last Man Standing format. This confrontation directly impacts the legacy of both competitors and the ongoing power balance within the professional wrestling circuit.
The Last Man Standing stipulation means that traditional pinfalls and submissions are removed from play, changing how viewers must track the match outcome. The winner will be determined solely by the referee's ten-count after a decisive maneuver.
The takeaway
The upcoming match highlights the role of long-term character storytelling in professional wrestling rivalries. Fans can expect a physical encounter where the primary focus is the resolution of a specific, history-based conflict.
Further reading
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