Kevin Owens Attacks Randy Orton After WWE SmackDown Confrontation with Cody Rhodes

Kevin Owens, despite being banned from the arena after a parking lot altercation following Bad Blood, made an unannounced appearance on WWE SmackDown to confront Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. Earlier, Owens had roughed up Rhodes and found himself sidelined, but this didn’t stop him from showing up during the entrance of WWE NXT talents Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson, who were set to face tag team champions Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill.

Owens grabbed a microphone, explaining that while he wasn’t supposed to be there, he needed to clear the air. He accused Rhodes of turning on him after teaming with Roman Reigns to take on Solo Sikoa and Jacob Fatu. His rant was cut short when his mic was turned off, prompting Owens to switch to a commentary headset to continue his tirade. Security and WWE producers rushed out to handle the situation, and the commotion brought out Rhodes, flanked by more security, as tensions escalated.

Randy Orton soon joined the fray, attempting to calm both Rhodes and Owens, who was still fuming in the ring. In the chaos, Owens appeared to accidentally hit Orton in the face, leading Orton to retaliate with a punch, though he seemed to regret the impulsive strike.

Backstage, Orton advised Rhodes to leave and head home, assuring him that he could handle Owens. Orton promised Rhodes that he “could fix this” situation. WWE General Manager Nick Aldis was also backstage, reminding Rhodes that he needed him in top shape for his upcoming match against World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER in Saudi Arabia.

Later that night, in another backstage segment, Owens was caught viciously attacking Orton in the parking lot, demanding to know if Orton had chosen sides. Security and Aldis quickly intervened to separate the two, leaving Orton lying injured on the ground.