What began as a formal contract signing quickly shifted into something far more personal.. and far more violent.
With the Undisputed WWE Championship set to be defended at WrestleMania, the meeting between champion and challenger carried major stakes.
However, the segment ended with the type of betrayal that long-time WWE fans know all too well.. proving once again that when The Viper strikes, it rarely comes with a warning.
Randy Orton Attacks Cody Rhodes After Signing WrestleMania Contract
SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis presided over the contract signing, officially confirming that Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
Orton earned the opportunity by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match on February 28, last eliminating Rhodes after hitting an RKO. Meanwhile, Rhodes regained the championship one week later by defeating Drew McIntyre on the March 6 episode of SmackDown.
Inside the ring, the WWE Champion reflected on their long history together. He recalled signing with WWE in 2007 and facing Orton in his first match, adding that he once looked up to The Viper as someone he hoped to emulate.
Cody Rhodes signed the contract immediately and praised Randy Orton’s role in his career. However, Orton hesitated before putting pen to paper, admitting he desperately needed the world title.
After eventually signing, the two shook hands — seemingly ending the moment with respect.
Instead, the Viper suddenly smashed Rhodes’ face into the desk, launching a brutal assault. The attack escalated quickly as Orton kicked Rhodes low, threw him into the announce area, and struck him with steel steps.
.@RandyOrton has completely SNAPPED 🤯 pic.twitter.com/3EJQJ1XOtz
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2026
Officials rushed to intervene, but Randy Orton shoved Aldis aside and continued the assault. With Cody Rhodes bleeding heavily, referees and road agents attempted to restore order — only for the 14-time World Champion to return moments later with a chair to deliver another blow.
.@RandyOrton, WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!! pic.twitter.com/JIiwojFHy5
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2026
When the chaos finally settled, Orton sat in the ring with the championship belt across his lap, leaving a brutal message ahead of WrestleMania. For Rhodes, the path to WrestleMania just got a lot more venomous — because when The Viper hears voices, someone usually pays the price.
Absolutely speechless... pic.twitter.com/9f2aTl3P9I
— WWE (@WWE) March 14, 2026
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