Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes have been feuding for most of 2026 and their rivalry has only escalated over the last few months. On Saturday, The American Nightmare and The Viper faced off in a Last Man Standing match which opened the Crown Jewel premium live event.
Early on the action spilled to the outside and Randy Orton dropped Cody Rhodes back first onto the announce table. Orton then pulled the cover off the announce desk, and put Rhodes through the cover. Shortly after they battled into the crowd. While they were in the crowd Orton hit Cody with a steel chair and a trash can lid.
Cody Rhodes made his way back to the ring and Orton hit him with a kendo stick multiple times. They battled up the ramp and Cody hit Orton with a trash can followed by the lid. Cody went backstage and brought out a table. Orton got the upper hand and powerbombed Cody through the table.
As Orton tried to get back in the ring, Cody hit him with a kick then used his own draping DDT move against him. Cody went to the top rope as Orton knocked him down. They battled back and forth on the top rope and Orton connected with a superplex. After he landed Orton sold the pain in his lower back.
The Viper followed up with a few clothelines, followed by a powerslam, followed by the middle rope draping DDT. Cody started to get back up and he countered the RKO with a thumb to the eye. He drove Orton to the mat with a powerslam followed by a Cody Cutter.
Shortly after Orton hit Cody with the RKO out of nowhere. They both got back up and went to the outside. Orton picked up the steel ring steps. Cody dodged it as Orton tried to slam it into his head. Cody then picked up the steps and hit Orton with them.
Rhodes put Orton on top of the announce table then he pulled a ladder out from under the ring and set it up. Rhodes went to the top of the ladder and went for a splash, but Orton rolled out of the way as Cody crashed through the table below.
They both got up around the count of 9. Orton rolled Cody back into the ring and set him up for the punt. Cody moved out of the way and hit a Super Cody Cutter off the top rope.
Cody hit Orton with the Cross Rhodes. The American Nightmare brought the steel ring steps into the ring and hit Orton with a steel chair. Orton ended up on the top of the steps and Cody went to hit him with the chair again, but Orton hit Cody with a low blow instead.
Orton went for the RKO and Cody countered with the Cross Rhodes three times in a row. Orton’s head was busted wide open as he made contact with the steps when he landed. Cody stopped the referee from counting.
As Orton tried to get up Cody finally hit him with the punt. After the match the fans booed Cody while he walked back up the ramp.