Triple H Shares Off-Air Clip of Cody Rhodes’ Sit-Down Interview With Michael Cole

As previously reported, former WWE Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes sat down with Michael Cole during Friday Night SmackDown. During the interview, Cody claimed that next time he faces Randy Orton, he won’t make the mistake he made at Sunday Night’s Main Event. Now, WWE Chief Creative Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque has shared a new candid on-set clip from after the interview cut off.

Cole and Cody shake hands, with Cole commenting that it went “really well.” However, Cody then leans over to Cole and says, “When it happens again, I’m going to kick his ****ing head off.”

Does this mean the QB1 aims to become Kicker 1? It appears Orton’s actions are pushing Cody Rhodes further to a darker, more aggressive place. At WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event earlier this month, Cody busted Orton open after assaulting him with the steel ring steps.

Rhodes appeared ready to use Orton’s devastating punt kick, but Orton begged for mercy. A distraction from a new referee coming in helped Orton hit both the ref and Orton with a low blow, allowing him to pick up the victory.

Sometimes you need to keep the camera rolling to get to the truth. @CodyRhodes #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/Jrvwd3rAWz

— Triple H (@TripleH) September 19, 2026