Spoiler on Cody Rhodes’ Character Direction After Randy Orton Attack

WWE is planning a major character shift for Cody Rhodes — and it could change how he approaches Randy Orton heading into WrestleMania 42.

With his WWE return already set for the March 27 episode of SmackDown after Randy Orton’s brutal attack, a new report reveals that Rhodes’ character could be taking a major shift heading into WrestleMania 42.

Speaking during a Self Made Session on March 24, 2026, Self Made Pro revealed details about how Rhodes will be presented once he’s back on television. After asking directly about Rhodes’ direction, the response made it clear that there is a definite change coming in how he approaches Orton.

“So I asked someone at WWE, I said, ‘Does this lead to a character shift for Cody Rhodes? What’s the plan here?’ What I was told was that when Cody reemerges on TV for the rest of this build, he will, quote, ‘fight fire with fire.’”

That phrase stands out — especially considering how Orton has been presented during this feud. To explain what that actually means, more details were provided about how Rhodes’ attitude is expected to evolve.

“And when I asked what that meant, they said that the edge Randy is showing right now in this build — Cody is going to show a similar edge in contrast to Randy, or to combat it.”

That suggests a clear shift away from Rhodes’ usual approach, with WWE positioning him to match Orton’s intensity instead of trying to out-wrestle or outmaneuver him in a traditional sense.

This comes after Rhodes was written off TV following the March 13 SmackDown attack, where Orton left him bloodied and sidelined, setting the tone for what has quickly become one of the most personal feuds heading into WrestleMania 42. So, Cody Rhodes isn’t just coming back for revenge; he’s coming back ready to match Randy Orton’s level. And if that plays out the way it’s being described, this feud could take a much darker turn heading into WrestleMania.

Do you think Cody Rhodes should lean into a more aggressive, darker edge against Randy Orton, or should he stick to the style that made him champion? Drop your thoughts below and leave your feedback.

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