Cody Rhodes Responds to WWE Fans Applauding Randy Orton’s Heel Turn

Randy Orton drew cheers from the crowd after a brutal SmackDown attack on Cody Rhodes. The reaction came despite Orton using tables, steel steps, and a chair during the assault.

SmackDown attack and crowd response

On the March 13 SmackDown, Orton turned on Rhodes in a violent segment. He slammed Rhodes into tables, struck him with steel steps, and hit him with a chair.

After the attack, fans chanted Orton’s name as he posed with the Undisputed WWE Championship belt. When Rhodes returned on March 27, the crowd still favored Orton despite further confrontations.

How Rhodes handled fans applauding the heel turn

Cody Rhodes responded to fans applauding Randy Orton’s heel turn by saying he does not take the reaction personally. He told Busted Open Radio that younger versions of himself might have felt differently.

Rhodes said he will not try to control what fans need emotionally. He invoked Tully Blanchard’s maxim about measuring reactions by volume and duration.

He added there is no wrong way to be a fan but admitted persistent reactions could eventually affect him. For now, Rhodes said the crowd’s response has not worn on him.

WrestleMania plans altered after injury

The Rhodes-Orton title match was not originally scheduled for WrestleMania. The Wrestling Observer Newsletter reported the bout had been set for later in 2026.

Bronson Reed suffered torn biceps, creating a domino effect of changes to the WrestleMania card. As a result, Rhodes vs. Orton was advanced, and Drew McIntyre was moved into a singles match with Jacob Fatu.

Sources

Comments from Rhodes were made on Busted Open Radio. Filmogaz.com reviewed reporting from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter regarding the scheduling shifts.