- 6/29/2025
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00:00They tell to me, they understand, they tell to me
00:05You got chills in your kitchen, all designed to keep you safe
00:19But when the rules start getting broken, you start questioning your fate
00:25I have a voice that is the savior, hates the love and the love's the hate
00:31I have a voice that has the knowledge and the power to your fate
00:37I hear forces crying, I see heroes dying
00:44I take blood and crying, I feel desolating
00:49I have voices in my head, they tell to me, they understand
00:55They talk to me, they talk to me
01:00They tell me things that I will do, they show me things up to you
01:06They talk to me
01:08They talk to me
01:10They talk to me
01:14They talk to me
01:24Introducing first, from St. Louis, Missouri
01:28Weighing in at 290 pounds
01:32The Viper, Randy Orton
05:38Cody Rhodes!
07:46In the year 2008,
07:48in the year 2008,
07:50Randy Orton,
07:52we'll be right back.
08:06We're right back.
08:10We're right back.
08:12I'll be right back.
08:12A new battle in one-on-one action.
08:14And over the years, Orton owns a 7-3 singles record against Cody Rhodes.
08:20Will that change tonight in the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament?
08:25Cody Rhodes, very successful in Riyadh back in November.
08:53He won the first-ever Crown Jewel Championship.
08:56For Randy Orton, it's about some retribution tonight.
08:59Last year, Wade, in the finals of the King of the Ring Tournament,
09:02he lost to Gunther in a very controversial manner.
09:05Gunther would go on to SummerSlam to win the world title.
09:08Yeah, the final of the King of the Ring Tournament last year was absolute BS, in my opinion.
09:13A massive refereeing error.
09:16And to a lot of people, Randy Orton is the sentimental favorite title right last year's role.
09:23There are no words to describe the atmosphere inside the Kingdom Arena tonight.
09:51It is absolutely electric.
09:53So for the first time in 12 years, these two men go one-on-one.
10:04They might not need us two tonight, Cole.
10:06I think this audience is going to do it for us.
10:08Winner of this match heads to SummerSlam.
10:13The first weekend of August, MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to take on the undisputed WWE Champion since both of these men are from Friday Night SmackDown.
10:21Could be Cena, could be Punk'd, we find out later on tonight.
10:25And Orton now with a shoulder tackle, and down goes Cody Rhodes.
10:29I'll tell you, right off the bat, from the entrances, I saw so much nerves in the eyes of both Cody and Randy.
10:36It's astounding, considering where they've both been previously in their careers.
10:41But it's off many times.
10:43I don't know whether it's the stakes of this match, or whether it's the fact that you're probably going to have to do some heinous things to a good friend of yours at some point tonight, if you're going to be successful.
10:55It's also the fact that you're getting screwed over by John Cena, both of these men.
10:59Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania, Randy Orton back at his hometown of St. Louis at Backlash.
11:03They'd love to get their hands on Cena again, if Cena survives tonight.
11:06Yeah, I'm sure CM Punk might have something to say about that in tonight's main event.
11:11We'll see how that goes, but right now you need to put yourself in pole position for SummerSlam.
11:16And Wade mentioned before, these two know each other very well.
11:19They've had a legacy together.
11:21However, first time in 12 years they've gone one-on-one.
11:24So still a feeling-out process, so to speak.
11:27Yeah, they know each other incredibly well.
11:29And I promise you they've studied each other incredibly well, even if they haven't been competing against each other.
11:35But for me at this point, we've felt each other out briefly.
11:38We've tied up a couple of times.
11:39We've got a sweat on.
11:41Throw the friendship to one side.
11:43Focus on what counts.
11:45That's beating the hell out of this man stood across the ring who wants to take away what you badly want.
11:54And Cody Rhodes with a far-on to the face of Randy Orton.
12:00And now Rhodes off the road zone.
12:02Big knee takes Rhodes down, well placed into the midsection of the American Nightmare.
12:08Mentioned before, 24th King of the Ring Tournament.
12:11Dropped down by Cody.
12:12And there's the right hand, stunning Orton.
12:16Cody playing a little possum there on that knee to the guard.
12:18Making out is a lot more painful than perhaps it really was.
12:21Just sucking Randy in.
12:23Rhodes ripped into the corner.
12:24High elbow catches Randy on the bridge of the nose.
12:27There's a bulldog by Cody.
12:29Quickly into the cover on Randy.
12:30Hook with a leg now.
12:31Kick out at two.
12:32Referee Charles Robinson working this matchup.
12:36It's so crazy the mental machinations going on now in the mind of both Randy and Cody.
12:41You know full well that your opponent is expecting certain things early.
12:46You need to make sure you don't do those things.
12:48Keep your opponent guessing.
12:50Not sure if I'm ready for Cody Rhodes to go to the top rope so early.
12:54But he did it.
12:54It may have cost him as Randy Orton catches him there.
12:57Randy certainly was ready for it.
12:59Those are those reflexes and instincts of the Viper that are simply unsurpassed.
13:041985, the first King of the Ring was crowned none other than Don Morocco.
13:10As Orton climbs to the top rope with Cody in position.
13:13And there's a superplex from Randy.
13:16And wait, wait a second.
13:18I don't know if you notice how Randy, when he bounced off the Maddie, he quickly went to
13:23his lower back.
13:23Perhaps it seized up a bit.
13:25And Randy Orton clearly in some sort of pain here.
13:27Let's watch this again.
13:28And look at him right there.
13:30Right there, Randy realizes he may be in trouble as he moves to the ropes and grab for his lower
13:35back.
13:36And that could be a nerve issue.
13:37Of course, Randy Orton has had major lower back issues in the past.
13:41That lumbar spine that kept him out for about 12 months, not so long ago.
13:45May have tweaked something there.
13:47And Cody Rhodes now stalking his man, Randy Orton.
13:50And it goes right to the lower back and the kidney.
13:53Yeah, it's all fair game.
13:54You have to.
13:55Disaster kick by Cody.
13:56God, it could be a disaster for Randy.
13:58Orton here.
13:59Cover by Cody for the win.
14:00Hook to the leg.
14:01Orton's forced to kick out.
14:02Oh, and that was a weak, weak kick out.
14:05This is not the kind of abuse that keeps Randy Orton down traditionally.
14:10But that lower back, that lumbar spine, apparently has now served a handicap to the Viper.
14:16Yeah, Cody Rhodes targeting the lower back as goes to work on Orton.
14:21Nice suplex by Cody.
14:25Cover again by Cody.
14:26Finals of the King of the Ring Tournament.
14:32Well, whatever game plan Cody Rhodes came into with this one probably just changed.
14:38I don't know what his plan to target was.
14:41But now, throw that out the window.
14:43Go for what hurts.
14:44Yeah, Randy clearly hurt as Cody Rhodes unloads.
14:47Orton trying to fight back as well.
14:49Rhodes and Orton exchanging blows.
14:53Randy now.
14:54Oh, and there's the patented backbreaker.
14:56And even that, even that causes Orton to collapse to the mat in pain.
15:01Yeah, that's an instinctive move from Randy Orton.
15:04He's done it millions of times before.
15:07His brain automatically went there and now clearly regretting it.
15:12Take another look at this standard stuff from Orton.
15:16But it hurt him far more than it did Cody Rhodes.
15:19Of course, the King of the Ring Tournament, one of attrition.
15:25Surviving to get to the finals and then winning.
15:27And now Cody Rhodes.
15:28And Cody now torturing Orton.
15:32Working on the lower back.
15:34Wrapping him around the ring post.
15:36Cody Rhodes here.
15:37Yeah, being completely vicious.
15:39This is a very different side of Cody Rhodes.
15:41Why?
15:42Because the stakes are so massive this evening.
15:45Not just the crowd.
15:47But that opportunity beckoning at SummerSlam race.
15:50Shot at the goal.
15:54Let's go Randy Chance for our capacity crowd here in Riyadh.
15:58I like this from Cody Rhodes.
16:00I promise you, if the roles were reversed,
16:02Randy Orton would have no hesitation.
16:04It's a flop kick.
16:05In attacking Cody.
16:06Cover again by Cody.
16:07Orton forced to kick out.
16:09Now listen, if you have a back issue,
16:11obviously each and every time you're forced to kick out,
16:13it bothers the back.
16:14Any movement whatsoever.
16:16I mean, even lying in bed with a bad back hurts.
16:19I cannot possibly fathom how Orton, from this point,
16:23can now negotiate his way back into the match.
16:27Well, that's Joe Tessa's issue carrying you every week.
16:29Oh, come on, mate.
16:30There's no need for this.
16:30Cody now with a knee placed to the spine.
16:33And now Rhodes continuing to wear down Randy Orton.
16:36And as you mentioned earlier, whatever Cody's strategy was,
16:39it's out the window as he's completely changed things now in his attack on Orton.
16:44Well, now attacking with that bravat that's really a neck hold.
16:48But Randy Orton having to use all the weight of that lower back to force his way back up.
16:52And now Cody smartly pressing against the upper back of Randy,
16:56forcing him back down.
16:57And again, all that pressure goes on the lumbar spine.
17:00And referee Charles Robinson making sure that the arm remains wrapped around the jaw of Orton
17:07and doesn't slip underneath into a choke here.
17:09And Cody Rhodes continues to put the pressure on Randy.
17:12And Randy's in deep trouble.
17:13Randy could be fading here in the center of the ring.
17:16Randy just has that competitive spirit that never say die.
17:23He thinks he can figure something out here, even if the rest of us may doubt it.
17:27Yeah, Orton trying to break the hold here and finally does as he buries Cody in the corner.
17:34And now Randy Orton almost went shoulder first.
17:36Uh-oh, great move by Randy.
17:38And a big clothesline now to Rhodes.
17:39And now Randy Orton starting to build some momentum now.
17:41Here comes the Viper.
17:44Power slam!
17:48Hesitation.
17:49Barely being able to go for the cover here.
17:51Couldn't even hook the leg.
17:53Yeah, and that was a solid two or three before Randy could even execute that cover.
17:58Just hampered in every regard.
18:01But pretty much the word go in this match.
18:04Now there are occasions when you tweak something early in the match that over time as the body warms up,
18:17natural endorphins get released.
18:19It can numb that injury to an extent.
18:22And Randy is clearly hoping that is the case here.
18:26And Orton looking to drape Cody over the second rope.
18:29The WWE's Apex Predator was going for the, uh,
18:33Ooh, that draping DDT.
18:35And Cody went right back to the back.
18:39And another shot to the kidneys.
18:41Got to be ruthless here if you're Cody Rhodes.
18:44Cody Connor!
18:45This could be it!
18:46Rhodes cover!
18:47Hook of the leg!
18:48Randy stays in it!
18:49And it really is that slight turn of speed for Randy Orton that is now gone completely.
19:00And that was the difference there in allowing Cody Rhodes back into the match when it looked like Randy
19:05was starting to build a little bit of momentum.
19:09You just cannot capitalize on the damage you cause to Cody if you can't move quick enough
19:14to get the next shot in.
19:15Cody now heading up to the top rope now.
19:24And the last Cody cutter!
19:26Is that enough to put Orton away?
19:29Randy stays in it again!
19:30And now Cody Rhodes beginning to maybe question himself.
19:34What do I need to do to put Randy away?
19:36But that is the sweetest sight in the world if you're Cody Rhodes, a viper in agony.
19:46And Cody deftly maneuvering to the top rope, executing yet another Cody cutter.
19:53Randy in big, big trouble.
19:56Well, Hall of Famers over the years have been king of the ring.
19:59Ten world champions have been king of the ring.
20:02The best of the best have won this tournament crown.
20:06The names of Booker T and Stone Cold Steve Austin, Triple H and Harley Race among others.
20:12And Cody ends up on the apron.
20:15Kick right to the midsection by Orton.
20:17Randy's got him where he wants him.
20:18Creeping DDT coming.
20:20Thank you, Jordan!
20:20Adrenaline is pumping.
20:42The viper is ready to strike.
20:45Measuring his man.
20:51Going to the RKO.
20:52Blocked by Cody.
20:53Into crossroads!
20:55Great counter by Cody!
20:57Cover!
20:57Randy kicked out!
20:59Randy's kicked out of just about everything so far.
21:02Yeah, that is a wild, wild kick out for a man with a busted back who's been beaten from pillar to post already.
21:10And Cody hits his biggest shot of them all.
21:15And it's not good enough.
21:17Now what happens on this kick out to the mindset of Cody Rhodes who has dominated this match?
21:23I'll tell you what happened.
21:24I was just looking at Cody.
21:25He looked him straight in the eyes and he had a blank look on his face.
21:28He was like, what do I need to do?
21:30He was staring out into space trying to figure out, how do I take out Orton here?
21:34Yeah, remember, this was once upon a time, your mentor, the guy you looked up to, the guy who taught you things.
21:40That will lay...
21:41Goal!
21:41Oh, RKO!
21:43From out of nowhere!
21:44By Orton!
21:45Cover!
21:45For the win!
21:47Cody at two and a half!
21:56Oh my god, never count out the viper!
21:59Cody just thinking, thinking he had all the time in the world to talk some trash to a beaten and apparently broken viper.
22:08But that RKO out of nowhere, quick as a flash, but again now the role reversal.
22:15How frustrating is that for Randy Orton?
22:18He got the kill shot in just when he'd been written off and it wasn't enough.
22:22Randy glancing back at Cody and...
22:39Oh, you wonder what's going through the mind of the viper now.
22:43Ever dangerous.
22:45Oh no, Cody's in position!
22:47Cody's in position!
22:48Cody's in position!
22:48Cody!
22:52And he's second-guessing himself.
22:59All the time in the world to hit this punt.
23:05Albeit against a true friend.
23:10Orton psyched himself up to do it.
23:13Took too long.
23:14Cody Rhodes avoided it.
23:18Now takedown on Randy Orton.
23:20Hey, Cody now!
23:20Look at the figure four!
23:23Figure four!
23:24Center of the ring!
23:25Locked in!
23:26Orton's in trouble!
23:27Well, Orton just gave a massive gift to Cody Rhodes!
23:30Cody's embraced it!
23:32And thrown it back in the viper's face!
23:36Cody's got the figure four locked in.
23:38Randy Orton, center of the ring.
23:40Nowhere to go as Cody continues the pressure.
23:43Only one way to go from here.
23:45It is quite simply tap out!
23:47Randy has a massive fray, but he is so far from Andy Roach!
23:51Unless Randy can turn over onto his belly and reverse the pressure onto Cody Rhodes, which
23:56is what Orton's trying to do here.
23:59And he's able to do that, and now it's Cody Rhodes who's in trouble!
24:02Randy Orton now has the upper hand!
24:04And Cody has to roll to the ropes and force a break!
24:08That was a hell of a long time in that figure four leg lock!
24:12And if Randy wasn't already in a bad way, things are looking messy now for the viper!
24:26Bad back, issues with the legs now.
24:30Randy had the opportunity there to finish that with the puck.
24:33Simply took too long.
24:35Cody moved out of the way, and it's still game on!
24:38And now Orton and Rhodes, but right hand stunned Randy.
24:48You mentioned on the countdown show today, Wade, the fact that it's extremely humid and warm inside this arena.
25:10And will it affect these athletes tonight?
25:11It's affecting me, sat here at ringside.
25:15I promise you, it is destroying the endurance of both men!
25:31Ready fight now, Cody goes to the midsection, with another kick now.
25:35Rhodes, off the second rope.
25:37Oh, KO!
25:38Oh!
25:40Orton with the interception!
25:43Cody kicks out again!
25:53Oh, God, taking flight!
25:55And again, out of nowhere, RKO, connecting flush to Cody Rhodes.
26:03And it really speaks volumes to the caliber of these two competitors that they are taking the best shots each has to offer,
26:13and still somehow taking.
26:14Again, the king of the ring on the line, but also an opportunity at the undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
26:24Yeah, and that's really why the caliber of competitors in the tournament this year is so high.
26:30The crowd is great.
26:31Everyone wants it, but trust me, that opportunity at SummerSlam is as big as winning a Royal Rumble now.
26:37Oh, Randy now with a steel chair in hand.
26:41Disqualification will hand this thing to Cody Rhodes, so I'm not quite sure what Randy's thinking here.
26:45Well, he's not thinking straight.
26:46That's the issue.
26:47The red mist has now descended for Randy.
26:50Wait a minute.
27:03Oh.
27:03Randy Orton now.
27:05We're doing the top turn, but the referee's back turn.
27:08That was entirely a ruse.
27:09It was a decoy by Randy.
27:12Yeah, cerebral Orton has exposed the top turnbuckle.
27:15Unbeknownst to the official Charles Robinson.
27:18Cody Rhodes, though.
27:19And now it's Randy Orton blocking.
27:27And he went to the RKO.
27:29Into the corner.
27:30Rips first.
27:31Into the exposed steel.
27:35Crossroads by Cody.
27:37Cover.
27:39Cody Rhodes is kick of the ring.
27:49What an incredible victory for Cody Rhodes tonight.
28:12Who earns himself an opportunity at the undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam.
28:18What a fight tonight.
28:20And I'll tell you right now, Cole, I've known Cody Rhodes a long time.
28:25That was a very different version of Cody we saw in there tonight.
28:30But all bets were off.
28:31Cody turned up the violence down.
28:34And it was, in fact, the Viper at times who showed some restraint.
28:38Not so much for Cody.
28:40This is early on in the matchup.
28:50Randy going for that signature superplex and paying the price.
28:55Tweaking that lower back.
28:56And Cody Rhodes exploited it.
28:58But Randy Orton was ready and dangerous to strike with his RKO out of nowhere.
29:04Cody good for it.
29:05And then Randy Orton, after bringing a steel chair into the ring, as Wade said,
29:09clearly a ruse to allow Randy Orton to expose the turnbuckle.
29:13But it would backfire on the Viper.
29:16And fell on his own sword.
29:18Shoved straight into it.
29:19Here's that lap.
29:20Those ribs.
29:21Weakening the Viper.
29:23And then crossroads number two connecting.
29:26And we have ourselves a 20-25 King of the Ring.
29:37Here is your winner.
29:42And the new King of the Ring.
29:46The American Nightmare.
29:49Cody Rhodes.
29:56General Manager Pierce from Raw and Aldis from SmackDown.
30:03Congratulating the new King of the Ring.
30:05Let's go up to our old Byron Saxton for an interview.
30:12Cody Rhodes.
30:13Cody, first off, congratulations.
30:18How does it feel to know that you now have a chance to finally reclaim the undisputed WWE title at SummerSlam?
30:27Byron, first of all, I have to thank Randy Orton, the legend killer.
30:37Nothing but respect from the guy who mentored me, the guy who spoke up for me.
30:42He's a future Hall of Famer.
30:44And this isn't his last stop here in Saudi Arabia.
30:47One more time for Randy Orton.
30:49I am well aware, I hear each and every one of you, this is an arduous path.
31:01First, Jey Uso, the most beloved character in all of WWE.
31:05Then, the modern locker room leader, the man, Randy Orton.
31:13And at SummerSlam, that means I'm facing either CM Punk or John Cena.
31:19And I completely get how you feel as an audience when I go up against these beloved characters.
31:30But I want you to hear it from me.
31:31I was born to do this, whether it be CM Punk or John Cena.
31:36They are holding on to that belt for themselves, and they are holding on to it for me.
31:41Because at SummerSlam, I get the ball back!
31:50The words of the quarterback.
31:51The king of the ring.
32:03The king of the ring.
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