WWE SmackDown Shock: Randy Orton Leaves Cody Rhodes Bloodied Before WrestleMania 42 Title Clash

Randy Orton stunned fans on WWE SmackDown after brutally attacking Cody Rhodes moments after their WrestleMania contract signing, shattering weeks of apparent respect between the two stars. The shocking assault left Rhodes bloodied and dramatically intensified the rivalry ahead of their WrestleMania 42 showdown for the WWE Championship.

The tension between the two had been building ever since Randy Orton captured victory in the Men's Elimination Chamber match, pinning Rhodes to secure a championship opportunity at WrestleMania 42. Rhodes, however, strengthened his standing by defeating Drew McIntyre in a recent rematch, becoming a three-time WWE Champion.

Friendly façade before shocking betrayal

During the contract signing on SmackDown, the atmosphere initially appeared calm. Orton and Rhodes sat side by side, sharing light moments and smiles as they signed the official paperwork for their WrestleMania title clash. For a brief moment, it looked like the contest would simply be a battle between two elite competitors.

That illusion ended seconds later.

As soon as the signing concluded, Orton suddenly struck Rhodes with a low blow. The veteran then dragged Rhodes outside the ring and slammed him into the steel steps while referees and officials rushed in, trying to regain control.

Chaos erupts at ringside

Singer Jelly Roll, who was present at ringside, ran toward the ring with officials to help separate the two. Orton shoved him aside before briefly stepping away.

The chaos escalated moments later when Orton returned carrying a steel chair. He placed Rhodes' head against the steel steps and delivered a brutal chair shot, leaving the champion down as officials rushed to check on him.

Orton then calmly walked back into the ring, sat on the chair, and placed the WWE Championship across his lap-an ominous image signaling his first full heel turn in nearly five years.

With the shocking betrayal, the stage is now set for a far more personal battle between Orton and Rhodes when they collide at WrestleMania 42.