Cody Rhodes Rebuts Orton's Title 'Addiction' Claim Ahead of 3rd 2026 Clash

Q: Will Randy Orton's desperate quest for a historic 17th world title finally push him to outsmart his former protégé in Atlanta?

Possibly, but the evidence going into Atlanta still favors Cody Rhodes. Rhodes’ own reading of the feud is that Orton is trying to win the match before the bell by forcing a mistake. On SmackDown, Orton escalated from title insults to personal shots about Rhodes’ family, wife and even his dog, all under Nick Aldis’ no-contact rule. Rhodes said he recognized it as “rage bait” and refused to react, which undercuts Orton’s clearest tactical edge. Orton does have a path if he turns the match into the kind of chaotic, emotionally charged fight that has defined this rivalry since SummerSlam, when he returned, hit Rhodes with an RKO and reignited their 20-year story. His experience, timing and willingness to attack outside the expected moment make him dangerous, especially with the added urgency of chasing a 17th world title that would deepen his historical standing. Still, Rhodes enters with the stronger recent case. He has already beaten Orton at King of the Ring and WrestleMania, and he appears determined not to be manipulated again before the opening bell. In Atlanta, Rhodes also gets the hometown atmosphere, which could further tilt momentum his way. So Orton’s desperation could make him more cunning, but it could also make him more reckless. If he wins, it will likely come from exploiting one small opening rather than outclassing Rhodes over the full match. Based on the recent pattern, Rhodes remains the safer pick to beat his former mentor for a third straight time.

Q: What hidden details does John Cena's Clash of Clans crossover reveal about the surprising gaming habits of WWE's biggest superstars?

John Cena’s Clash of Clans crossover reveals that several of WWE’s biggest names are not casual gamers at all—they have a long-running, road-tested mobile gaming culture that stretches back about a decade. Cody Rhodes said Cena was the wrestler who originally pulled him and others into Clash of Clans while they were traveling, using a clan called OLK, or O’Leary Klan. Rhodes later helped form the “Nicky Clan” after Cena was kicked out, and he said that clan still exists, with wrestlers from multiple locker rooms involved. That suggests the game became an enduring social hub for talent, not just a one-off sponsorship tie-in. The crossover also exposed the kind of player Cena was. Rhodes described him as a strong but demanding clan leader who “gemmed” heavily, supplied good troops, but had a bad habit of producing “99% one-star” raids—nearly clearing a base without securing the key objective. Cena, for his part, leaned into the rivalry, saying his competition with Rhodes began in the game long before it became an on-screen wrestling issue. It also shows how broad the gaming participation is among WWE stars. Rhodes said Shawn Michaels joined the campaign as a veteran-style “wise Clash player,” while The Undertaker needed to be brought into the game and is now “all in.” The event itself features WWE-themed in-game versions of Rhodes, Undertaker, Alexa Bliss, Iyo Sky, Jey Uso and Kane, underscoring that the crossover is rooted in real player habits inside WWE, not just branding.

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 6

Cody Rhodes said Randy Orton's claim that he is "addicted" to the WWE title was bait meant to trigger a pre-match disqualification before Sunday Night's Main Event in Atlanta.
Nick Aldis had barred both men from touching each other before the bout, with any violation costing them a future WWE championship opportunity.
Rhodes argued the obsession fits Orton better, saying Orton is chasing a 17th world title to match John Cena's record and prove his standing among WWE's modern greats.
He also framed Sunday as a chance to beat Orton for a third time in 2026 after victories at King of the Ring and WrestleMania, with the result likely to shape the title picture before Money in the Bank.