Dave Meltzer Says Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes Wanted To Feud, Explains Why It’s Happening Now

At last weekend’s WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event, Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes in their singles bout. During today’s Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer provided more insight regarding the feud.

When Bryan Alvarez asked what’s going on between Rhodes and Orton, Meltzer assessed that the feud is being done as a way to keep Cody Rhodes busy and away from reigning WWE Undisputed Champion CM Punk for the time being. Meltzer stated on Orton vs. Rhodes, “Just doing something to keep Cody away from Punk for a while and Randy away from Punk for a while as well. And so Punk can be working with [Sami] Zayn, and Gunther, and whoever else.”

Meltzer also explained that Orton and Rhodes had been wanting to resume their feud ahead of Sunday Night’s Main Event. He continued, “They’re trying to save those guys for later, bigger shows. So, I think that’s the gist of it, and Cody and Orton have been wanting to work together anyway, so they’re doing a program. And they did a match, and that was the match. Recycling that Cena finish? I thought the match was really good until that Cena finish.”

Meltzer also criticized the finish as being too cartoonish, with the comedic ref bumps taking away from the seriousness of the rest of the match that Rhodes and Orton were putting together. Additionally, Meltzer indicated that Orton and Rhodes will be in contention for the WWE Title “at the right time.”

The Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes Feud Continues

Cody Rhodes previously defeated Randy Orton to retain the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42: Night 1 earlier this year. During their Sunday Night’s Main Event bout, Rhodes assaulted Orton with the steel ring steps, busting Orton open. Rhodes attempted to use Orton’s running punt before Orton begged for mercy.

Orton then used the distraction from a referee to hit a low blow on Orton and the ref. He followed that up with an RKO, and the original referee, who had been knocked out earlier, counted the pinfall to give Orton the victory.

If you use any of the quotes in this article, please credit Wrestling Observer Radio with a h/t to 411mania.com for the transcription.