Randy Orton‘s first WWE appearance since his shocking SummerSlam return has now been confirmed.
The Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia has announced that Randy Orton will appear on the August 7 edition of WWE SmackDown, just days after costing Cody Rhodes the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
Promoting the show on social media, the venue stated:
“JUST ANNOUNCED! The Viper Randy Orton returns to SmackDown after RKOing Cody Rhodes at SummerSlam.”
Orton made his surprise return during the SummerSlam Night One main event between Rhodes and CM Punk. With the referee incapacitated, The Viper struck Rhodes with an RKO, allowing Punk to take advantage and retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Randy Orton Continues His Feud With Cody Rhodes
The attack continued Randy Orton’s rivalry with Cody Rhodes, which dates back to WrestleMania 42. Rhodes defeated Orton in the Night One main event before Orton assaulted him after the match and disappeared from WWE television.
While WWE has yet to announce what Orton will have to say on SmackDown, his advertised appearance suggests the storyline with Rhodes is set to continue. After costing Rhodes another opportunity to become Undisputed WWE Champion, Orton is expected to address his actions when SmackDown heads to Philadelphia.
