Cody Rhodes beat Randy Orton at Night of Champions in May 2025. The match surprised many and added new drama to their long rivalry.
Night of Champions 2025 match recap
The match ran about 20 minutes and told a clear story of student versus master. Rhodes targeted Orton’s surgically repaired back early and often. A superplex about a third of the way through left Orton in visible pain. Rhodes then used strikes, a suplex and a brutal wrap of Orton’s back around the ring post to keep pressure on that injury.
Orton hit an RKO out of nowhere and then lined up for a punt. He hesitated, then went for the punt. Rhodes recovered and trapped Orton in a Figure Four leg lock. Later, Orton tried classic tactics, loosening a turnbuckle pad to expose steel and bring a chair into play. That plan backfired when Orton bounced into the exposed steel and Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes for the win.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Cody Rhodes | Won at Night of Champions 2025 (defeated Randy Orton) |
| Randy Orton | Lost at Night of Champions 2025 (to Cody Rhodes) |
History and stakes
Before this match, Orton held an 8-3 lead over Rhodes in televised singles matches. If you exclude a win by disqualification for Rhodes, Orton’s record in those televised matches worked out to about an 80 percent win rate. But this Night of Champions match came after many years and big changes for both men.
Rhodes is now a main event star and has held a world title. He is a different competitor than the young wrestler who faced Orton more than a decade earlier. Orton, once known for his killer instinct and 14 world title runs, showed signs of doubt during their match. That hesitation became part of the story and helped Rhodes gain the upper hand.
Recent attacks and the road ahead
In the weeks after Night of Champions, Orton has grown more violent on television. On SmackDown he shoved Grammy winner Jelly Roll. He also attacked Matt Cardona with a low blow and a steel chair wrapped stomp to the arm. Orton later bloodied Rhodes at a contract signing, using a fake hug to land a low kick and then striking him with the steel stairs and chair. Those attacks set up a tense build toward WrestleMania 42.
Orton has said he needs to win at WrestleMania and wants the Undisputed WWE Championship, a title he has not held in six years. Rhodes now stands in his way. Night of Champions showed Rhodes might have passed his former mentor, but the rivalry is far from over. Fans will watch closely to see how both men prepare for their next big meeting.
What to watch next
Look for continued mind games and more physical attacks on upcoming shows. The match at Night of Champions changed the tone between the two. Rhodes showed he can be ruthless when needed. Orton has shown he can be dangerous and unpredictable. Their story now moves toward WrestleMania 42, where the next chapter will be written.
