Steve Carrier on March 14, 2026
The Road to WrestleMania took a dramatic turn on the March 13 episode of WWE SmackDown when Randy Orton snapped during a contract signing with Cody Rhodes. Now a WWE Hall of Famer is weighing in on the shocking moment — and he’s clearly enjoying what he sees.
During the main event segment on SmackDown, Rhodes signed the contract for his WrestleMania title defense after defeating Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship the previous week. Orton initially appeared to show respect, shaking Rhodes’ hand before suddenly attacking him. The brutal beatdown left Rhodes busted open after Orton smashed him with the steel ring steps, marking a clear heel turn for “The Viper.”
While speaking on Busted Open Radio, WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry reacted to the segment and said he is thrilled to see Orton embracing the ruthless version of his character again.
“I’m so damn happy right now that Randy Orton is back to being the Viper. Don’t trust him, fear him, and treat him like he’s gonna punch you at any moment. That’s what I want.”
Henry said longtime veterans in the business are likely enjoying the moment even more because they appreciate the type of villain Orton has become.
“But I’m gonna tell you — you know who’s loving this more than me? Bob Armstrong, Bob Orton, the older guys. Jesse Ventura — I bet you he is laughing his ass off right now because they respect the gangster. They respect the guy that he knows he could be good, but he chooses to be bad.”
Henry also connected Orton’s new direction to his own career, noting that his most successful run came when he leaned fully into his dangerous “Hall of Pain” persona.
“Regardless of how nice I was, respectful, as much as I love being Sexual Chocolate, as much as I love being the World’s Strongest Man — you know where I made the most money? In the Hall of Pain.”
According to Henry, fans have always responded strongest to dominant and aggressive characters.
“The people wanted to see me kick people’s ass, run people through cages, whip people with belts. That’s what I want from Randy.”
Orton’s attack on Rhodes has now completely changed the tone heading into WrestleMania. Instead of a respectful showdown between two longtime rivals, the match now appears set to revolve around the darker side of “The Viper,” something many fans — and clearly Mark Henry — have been waiting to see again.
What do you think about Randy Orton turning heel again before Wrestle Mania? Do you prefer The Viper as a villain, or do you like him better as a fan favorite? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
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