Cody Rhodes Addressed Loss to Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes spoke on SmackDown about his recent defeat to Randy Orton.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Wrestling
Cody Rhodes discussed his recent loss to Randy Orton during an interview on SmackDown. Rhodes admitted that hesitation cost him the match at WWE Sunday Night's Main Event.
Why it matters
The comments shed light on the mental approach Rhodes took during the high-stakes match. This insight into his in-ring strategy provides context for future confrontations between the two wrestlers.
Randy Orton successfully executed his signature RKO maneuver to secure the victory over Cody Rhodes at WWE Sunday Night's Main Event. The outcome was influenced by a period of hesitation from Rhodes during the bout.
The players
Cody Rhodes
He is a prominent professional wrestler who recently discussed his strategic failures in a televised interview.
Randy Orton
He is a veteran professional wrestler who secured a victory using his signature RKO move.
Michael Cole
He is a long-standing WWE play-by-play commentator who conducted the interview with Cody Rhodes.
The details
During an interview with Michael Cole on SmackDown, Rhodes explained that he had hesitated to strike Orton when he had the opening. He stated that this momentary pause allowed Orton to capitalize and ultimately win the match.
Timeline
September 2026: Cody Rhodes appeared on SmackDown to discuss the match results.
The Big Picture
This development follows the precedent set by the WWE Sunday Night's Main Event match. The interview directly addresses the strategic errors made during that specific contest.
The acknowledgment of hesitation during the match implies a shift in Rhodes' tactical approach for future televised bouts. This narrative sets the stage for a potential rematch as Rhodes prepares to avoid repeating his past mistakes.
The takeaway
Rhodes has signaled that he will not hesitate to strike if he faces Orton again in the future. This stance indicates that fans can expect a more aggressive strategy from Rhodes in upcoming matches.
Further reading
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