Randy Orton made his return to WWE SmackDown on Friday night, laying out Drew McIntyre with an RKO. The attack occurred after McIntyre interrupted the broadcast to address the condition of Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes.
McIntyre stated that the “update” is that Rhodes is a “little bitch” and vowed to take the title when he gets his next opportunity. This marked Orton’s first appearance since he and Jelly Roll lost to McIntyre and Logan Paul at WWE SummerSlam.
The segment on the Dublin, Ireland, edition of SmackDown began with McIntyre confronting the commentary team of Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett for a medical update on Rhodes. After receiving no information, McIntyre delivered a promo claiming that no one in the locker room had admonished him for his actions and that Cody Rhodes had no friends left.
It was at this moment that Orton appeared in the ring from behind McIntyre without his entrance music. When McIntyre turned, Orton executed the RKO.
Orton’s actions serve as a direct refutation of McIntyre’s claim that Rhodes is without allies. The attack also stems from their last encounter at WWE SummerSlam, where McIntyre and Logan Paul defeated the team of Orton and Jelly Roll.
The confrontation occurs as WWE’s European tour builds toward the Clash at Paris Premium Live Event on August 31.
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