Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton: Why their Last Man Standing match could steal WWE Crown Jewel 2026
WWE Crown Jewel 2026 has plenty of championship action, but perhaps its biggest moment is coming from Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. After months of hostility that took their relationship beyond the usual competitive rivalry, the former allies will meet in a Last Man Standing competition in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on November 7. For those who are planning to follow the event, predictions and promotions can be seen online alongside event coverage. Comparison pages about the top promo codes available now are about more general sports betting promotions, not guaranteed markets for scripted WWE matches. The attraction lies in the premise: two strong wrestlers are squarely opposed and neither a pinfall can decide the outcome. Advertisement A rivalry built on history and betrayal Rhodes and Orton have history dating back to when they teamed together in Legacy, the other WWE faction that Ted DiBiase Jr. was a part of. The duo’s collaboration provided an early platform for Rhodes and mentorship for Orton. Any link makes each encounter more serious. This is not just a clash of stars; it’s a clash of personalities who are familiar with one another’s quirks and weaknesses. WrestleMania victory did not end the conflict Rhodes went on to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Orton at WrestleMania 42. But the celebration was short-lived. Orton pursued Rhodes down the field with the title in tow and produced his famous punt kick to make it his personal experience, rather than the defeat. They last faced off in September at Saturday Night’s Main Event where Orton won in a non-title match. That put their 2026 rivalry on even footing, 1-1, and gave them a reason to have an epic showdown. Why last man standing changes everything The Last Man Standing rule is a brutal one: The winner is the one who is the last player to make it back to their feet before a ten count is completed by the referee. Older pinfall and submission rules will not be in effect. Physical escalation is also allowed under the stipulation, which does not otherwise allow it under normal match rules. Advertisement These can play a major role for Rhodes and Orton. Both have a finishing move that can result in a dramatic near-finish, but neither can count on the standard three-count. They are more about endurance than offence, and as such, WWE can move the advantage around, add flair and create a climactic pay-off. The punt kick becomes central Orton’s punt is a sign of this feud. Just as Rhodes railed against Baron Corbin, he has apparently recently attempted the same tactic on him on SmackDown, according to WWE’s account of the feud. It is not a confirmed plan, but it’s not known if he’ll do that against his former mentor. That is why that uncertainty is compelling. It’s not just about the ability, it’s about the character. If Rhodes fully embraces Orton’s aggressive style, winning might have some troubling implications. Orton could take advantage of the restraint that has already been part of their rivalry if he doesn’t rise to the level of his opponent. Advertisement How the Crown Jewel match was confirmed The stipulation came up in an October 23 episode of SmackDown. Rhodes would have liked to meet Orton immediately, but General Manager Nick Aldis talked him down and suggested meeting at Crown Jewel. Their fight was to be under Last Man Standing rules, which Orton agreed to. The announcement provided WWE with a destination for their story without addressing the bigger issues. Will Rhodes be able to defeat Orton while maintaining his integrity? Can Orton keep an opponent in check whose mood he has helped to manipulate? Those possibilities engender suspense without the need for predictions masquerading as facts. What could make it the showstopper? Last Man Standing matches do best when there is an emotional progression towards sensible violence. Early exchanges can be a reminder of previous encounters; later moments can reveal just how much each wrestler is willing to sacrifice. This rivalry would benefit from a measured build, rather than a parade of spectacular stunts. Rhodes is the guy who can take the punishment and is a source of energy on the offensive, while Orton is deliberate, yet suddenly, RKO. Both have performed in big main events. Those differences, along with a shared history, provide ample bases for a dramatic show. Advertisement Where it fits on the Crown Jewel card Crown Jewel will be held at KAFD’s Riyadh Season Stadium on Saturday, November 7. WWE has also announced World Champion Roman Reigns is on the line for Undisputed Champion Sami Zayn and Women’s Champion Liv Morgan will defend her title against WWE Women’s Champion Chelsea Green in champion vs champion matches. There’s no denying the stakes of those matchups. What Rhodes versus Orton is different, though, is a grudge match that involves betrayal, revenge and a questionable mentorship. If it can transcend beyond just the show’s title stars, it may end up being the most talked-about performance of the show. The show will air at noon ET on ESPN App (with an ESPN Unlimited subscription in the U.S. or Netflix outside the U.S.). Please check with local authorities and/or official WWE outlets for availability and any changes to the schedule. The bigger question facing Cody Rhodes It’s not as fun to try to pick a winner as it is to consider the implications of winning. The old man has the potential to abandon his former apprentice, Rhodes, and to become an independent, even as he threatens to lose the moral identity that makes him who he is. Orton can prove that experience and ruthlessness still win out and extend a rivalry that has already seen some remarkable turnarounds. Advertisement There are no guarantees of either. Their plan is to have a memorable ending, and it’s the balance of true continuity, opposing characters and a clause that makes their Crown Jewel meeting a treat. With the personal stakes on the line, Rhodes and Orton could pull the viewers around the world.
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