Cody Rhodes says 'that addiction and sickness' to win WWE title again is more on Randy Orton's end

Rhodes‑Orton showdown to headline Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta

ATLANTA — Wrestle‑Mania’s biggest rivalries are back on the road as former WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and veteran Randy Orton are scheduled to face off in a marquee match at Sunday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. The bout, set to take place on the September 12 show, is the culmination of a long‑standing feud that has intensified since Orton’s return to “Friday Night SmackDown.”

In the weeks leading up to the event, the two have exchanged heated words and physical altercations. SmackDown’s general manager, Nick Aldis, warned the competitors that any unsanctioned attacks before the match would result in both men being barred from the title picture. “We don’t want any extra drama on the card,” Aldis said. “If either of them lays a hand on the other before the match, they’re out of the championship race.”

The tension flared again when Orton called Rhodes an “addict” and a “sick” for his obsession with winning the championship. Rhodes responded in an interview with OutKick Dropkick, saying, “If I had hit him before the match, we’d both lose the chance to compete for the WWE title.” He added, “I’ve beat him at King of the Ring and at WrestleMania. The desire to win is part of the business. I think Orton’s frustration comes from feeling he hasn’t earned his place among WWE’s greats.”

Rhodes, who has recently partnered with the mobile game Clash of Clans for its “Search for Cena” event, is also chasing a return to the Undisputed WWE Championship. The upcoming match is seen as a decisive step in clearing the championship picture ahead of the Money in the Bank ladder match later this month.

Sunday Night’s Main Event will also feature a six‑woman tag team contest—Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss and Tatum Paxley versus Jade Cargill, Michin and B‑Fab—as well as singles bouts between Baron Corbin and Lil Yachty, and Oba Femi and Bron Breakker.

The showdown between Rhodes and Orton is expected to set the tone for the remainder of the WWE calendar, with the outcome potentially reshaping the title hierarchy as the company heads into its biggest pay‑per‑view of the year.