Triple H recycles same storyline for Cody Rhodes again ahead of WWE WrestleMania 42

Randy Orton turns on Cody Rhodes after the contract signing.

The March 13 episode of SmackDown, which aired from the Mortgage Matchup Arena in Phoenix, Arizona, featured the WrestleMania 42 contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Rhodes secured the Mania spot after capturing the Undisputed title once again last week, pinning Drew McIntyre.

Things went as usual, apart from a slight hesitation from Orton, who, after winning the men’s Elimination Chamber match, was looking for face McIntyre, a guy he despised, but after the title change was now set to face his friend.

As soon as Orton signed the contract, he slammed Cody onto the announce desk, turning heel in the process. What followed was a brutal beatdown, leaving Cody covered in his own blood. Orton showed no mercy, striking him with the steel steps and then placing Cody’s head between the steps to attack him further with a steel chair.

While this definitely created a buzz heading into WrestleMania, the angle feels eerily similar to last year’s build involving Rhodes.

John Cena turned heel for the first time last year

One of the most memorable moments from last year’s Elimination Chamber and John Cena‘s retirement tour, as well, is Cena turning heel for the first time, siding with The Rock and then beating down Cody, leaving him covered in his own blood.

This angle took place after Cena won the men’s Chamber match, securing his spot against Rhodes for the Undisputed Title. The segment with Orton feels very similar to last year’s storyline, where a bona fide legend, looking to reclaim the World Title and restore his glory days, stood across from WWE’s current poster boy, someone who once played that same role.

In a desperate bid to regain dominance, the legend turns to the dark side, mirroring past dynamics. Now, does that mean Orton winning the title at Mania? With help from Travis Scott or maybe Jelly Roll, in this case, that remains to be seen.

However, many have been pointing out the similarities in the two storylines; while it was clear that WWE needed some drastic changes to build up hype for Mania, which has been struggling to sell tickets and rile up excitement among fans.

Can Randy Orton save the main event?

One thing is undeniable: Randy Orton is a far better heel than John Cena. After all, the Legend Killer didn’t win 14 World Titles just on Hustle, Loyalty, and Respect. His rivalry with Cena showcased this perfectly, as Orton embraced his darker side, proving why he excels as a villain in WWE storytelling.

In fact, there were audible calls from fans for Orton to turn heel, although fans also have been demanding a heel turn for Cody, whose character has been going through the same motions in every feud, but WWE likely doesn’t want to risk turning the face of the company and the biggest merchandise move into a bad guy.

That said, WWE can and has used similar angles and storylines, but Orton might be able to elevate the feud. The turn itself has left many fans excited to witness the Vintage Randy Orton, a terrifying force who used to RKO and punt-kick everybody.

Orton, sitting with the title in his hand inside the ring after the beatdown, while officials rushed in to check on Cody, was another sign that Orton might be able to make the feud far more compelling than anticipated.

Turning Orton heel also helps them in the build-up, as fans likely wouldn’t have wanted Cody and Orton to appear every week, hug, praise each other, and leave. The turn will now help build up the feud, with intense promos and brutal beatdowns. Even though the storylines seem similar, the background is different, and the build is likely going to be very intriguing.

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