WWE SummerSlam 2024 is set to go down on August 3 at Cleveland Browns Stadium.
This will be the first SummerSlam PLE of the TKO era. Of course, fans have some huge expectations when it comes to the line-up for the “Biggest Event of the Summer.” The card would begin to take shape following Money in the Bank 2024.
Last year’s SummerSlam saw Roman Reigns and Jey Uso in the main event. The “Tribal Combat” ended with Reigns standing tall over his cousin following Jimmy Uso’s interference. There are no reports (at the time of this writing) if the former Undisputed WWE Universal Champion is being factored into WWE’s plans for their summer PLE.
Reigns was last seen in action at WrestleMania 40, where he dropped his title to Cody Rhodes on night two’s main event. Assuming WWE wants to hold off on the inevitable third encounter, they should capitalize on the tease SmackDown dropped for Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton in the lead-up to King and Queen of the Ring PLE.
Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton have a long history
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are no strangers to each other. Both men have fought against and beside each other in the past. Orton was Rhodes’ first legitimate mentor on the main roster back in 2007. The pair went on to form Legacy alongside Ted DiBiase Jr, dominating RAW during Orton’s heated feud with Triple H and the McMahons.
Orton and Rhodes then fought one-on-one in 2011, with the teacher picking up the win on multiple occasions. Orton even predicted a world title run for the former Dashing One in 2011. Both men would wrap up their on-and-off feud when Orton beat Rhodes in a “Career on the Line” match on an episode of RAW two years later. They have crossed paths in multi-man matches since, but a singles match seems inevitable.
Orton was supposed to be in the main event of SummerSlam 2022
Randy Orton was reportedly (might as well say supposedly) set to face Roman Reigns for his title at WWE SummerSlam 2022. However, his repeated injury complications forced WWE to change their plans. Orton went into an injury rehab following the May 20, 2022, episode of SmackDown. Brock Lesnar ultimately took on Roman Reigns in the SummerSlam 2022 main event.
One might even say WWE had no choice but to deny Orton his supposed SummerSlam 2022 main event against Reigns. Orton took on Reigns in a multi-man match at the 2024 Royal Rumble PLE. It’s about time the Viper took his coveted spot in the main event of WWE SummerSlam 2024 against an opponent he’s all too familiar with.
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton can be the main event WWE SummerSlam 2024 needs
Cody Rhodes has already had two successful defenses. He defeated AJ Styles in a terrific main event at Backlash France. His most recent title defense came against Logan Paul at WWE King and Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia. Randy Orton, meanwhile, worked the undercard at said Premium Live Events.
Orton may have lost to Gunther in the King of the Ring finals, but he shouldn’t have trouble finding his way back to the title picture. He’s a former 14-time World Champion, a two-time Royal Rumble winner, and a former Money in the Bank holder. He’s been at the top of his game for years now.
All these accolades make him the perfect contender to challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam 2024. I’m sure Rhodes won’t deny Randy the opportunity if he goes straight up to him and asks for a match tonight on WWE SmackDown, but that would be too easy for both men.
WWE Summerslam 2024 doesn’t need to feature a babyface vs. heel in the main event. Rhodes and Orton are both mega babyfaces. They have more than enough charisma and intensity to sell this potential feud. Orton could be the biggest babyface opponent for Cody Rhodes in his first run as the Undisputed WWE Champion.
The American Nightmare is set to appear on WWE SmackDown. It remains to be seen if WWE will plant the seeds for Rhodes vs. Orton at SummerSlam 2024 tonight.
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