Randy Orton Defeats Cody Rhodes at Sunday Night’s Main Event

Randy Orton won against Cody Rhodes at Sunday Night’s Main Event held in Atlanta.

The match concluded with Rhodes executing a dive outside the ring, taking out both Orton and the referee. He capitalized on this moment by using steel steps to injure Orton. After hitting two crossroads, Rhodes attempted a third but hesitated, signaling for Orton's signature punt. Just as he was about to execute it, Orton countered, leading to a low blow on both men. Orton then delivered an RKO, pinning Rhodes as the first referee regained consciousness.

Orton had been absent from television after losing to Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 in April but made a return at SummerSlam in August, where he interfered in Rhodes' WWE Championship match. A rematch was scheduled for SNME with a stipulation preventing any contact before the event. During the buildup, Orton targeted Rhodes' family to provoke him, with Rhodes' mother and wife Brandy present at ringside during the match.