By John Jones Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are legendary figures in modern-day professional wrestling. But a common theme for both of them during their current run in the company is that the performances or bookings have been underwhelming.
Both WWE superstars featured during the September 26, 2025, edition of Friday Night SmackDown (via WWE) to counter Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed from ‘The Vision’. However, an interesting moment came when, after rescuing Rhodes, he stared at the undisputed WWE title before handing it over to The American Nightmare.
Fans have speculated on whether The Apex Predator has set his eyes on the WWE title. Additionally, wrestling enthusiasts are growing impatient of the extensive planning by the company with no concrete build-up. The frustration comes with a reason. It looks like there is no end in sight for these moments.
How Serious Are WWE Creative Heads Towards Ensuring Randy Orton or Cody Rhodes Turn Heel?
Both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have been showing signs of a potential heel turn for some time now in the WWE. The American Nightmare, popularly known as the Homelander of the WWE, had evidently shown heel-like tendencies during his build-up to the clash against John Cena at SummerSlam 2025.
With a lack of proper competition and consistent bookings, many fans feel that a heel turn might elevate his career to new heights. Randy Orton has been on a similar path. WWE has failed to utilize him properly for a long time, failing to provide the kind of push a 14-time World Champion deserves in existing storylines.
Because Cody Rhodes is the face of the company after John Cena, the American Nightmare is highly unlikely to give up his position at the moment. It’s high time WWE should provide him with some serious bookings like they did at Wrestlepalooza 2025 with more intimidating and dominating matches and emphatic build-up before the clash.
The Apex Predator, on the other hand, needs to get back on winning ways and become as cunning as ever. A heel turn in the near future might benefit him more since he would then be in a position to challenge Rhodes for a title match after Crown Jewel 2025.
Thus, with the return of Randy Orton on SmackDown, a heel turn for the Apex Predator appears to be the long-time plan by the WWE creative heads under Triple H.
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes Turning Heel Is the Best Thing That Can Happen to Their WWE Careers
While either of them can turn heel as part of a short-term plan from the WWE, with their current persona and lack of cutting-edge promos, the wiser trajectory for both of them is to give up their current baby face characters and discover themselves in new ways.
Randy Orton, as a heel, was one of the most intimidating and successful superstars in the company. The Apex Predator meant great television for the WWE universe back when he was an antagonist, including his association with Triple H and Dave Bautista.
While Cody Rhodes has never officially turned heel in the WWE, he has been open to exploring new possibilities in his wrestling career, like switching over to AEW when he realised that it’s not working for him during his first run in the WWE.
Amidst growing concerns of their respective career growth and a lack of interest in storylines involving them, the best course for Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is getting involved in the WWE programming with strong heel personalities.
Do you think either Rhodes or Orton should finally turn heel to save their career for a potential major fallout? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
