Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton final WWE match plans: Four stipulations we could see announced for their blow-off

WWE

If it was ever in doubt, the conclusion of the October 3 episode of WWE SmackDown confirmed that Cody Rhodes cannot move beyond Randy Orton until he finally puts down his mentor once and for all.

With Orton ensuring that Rhodes did not qualify for the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match, there is nothing else on their plates but a third, and possibly final match.

In order to properly blow off this feud however, WWE should ensure a stipulation is put in place that will leave the result beyond doubt or question and potentially decide what the rest of 2026 looks like for both men.

Here are four potential stipulations for Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton III:

Texas Bullrope match

There is no stipulation more fitting for the conclusion of this feud than a Texas Bullrope match.

Almost 20 years ago, at WWE Great American Bash 2007, Orton defeated Cody’s father Dusty Rhodes in a Texas Bullrope match, with the conclusion of the match seeing a young Cody step in to prevent his father getting his head kicked off his shoulders by “The Legend Killer.”

Seeing Cody finally pull the trigger and deliver a punt kick to Orton after all these years and all the hesitation would be a truly cathartic moment for “The American Nightmare”, as well as satisfyingly close the book on the Orton and Rhodes feud for good.

I Quit match

While the Texas Bullrope is the most fitting stipulation for this feud, WWE may instead opt for one of their most brutal match types instead: the I Quit match.

Obviously these matches don’t get quite as extreme as they used to, but the concept itself is one that works well with bringing the most personal feuds to an end.

There is no more satisfying an end for someone than seeing their rival utter the words “I Quit” and both Cody and Randy would likely be happy to walk away from the feud if that was to happen.

Last Man Standing

There is a problem with the I Quite stipulation for this feud in particular however: how would Randy Orton utter those words if he’s been punt kicked into unconsciousness?

That’s why a Last Man Standing Match may be the better option. It feels like the feud’s conclusion will be Cody delivering that kick to “The Viper”; something that may or may not solidify a shift to a darker role for him going forward.

Loser can never challenge for Undisputed WWE Title ever again

Both Rhodes and Orton’s primary motivation throughout their feud has been getting back to the Undisputed WWE Title picture.

So, if WWE wanted to really up the stakes for their final match they could add a stipulation not often seen in the company, and one that could drastically alter how the rest of both men’s careers go: WWE could ban the loser of the match from ever challenging for the Undisputed WWE Title again.

If WWE wanted to be really sadistic they could block the loser from challenging for either world title, but it seems unlikely they’d do that unless Triple H really doesn’t want Orton surpassing his 14 world title reigns.

This would force one of Rhodes or Orton to change brands and pursue the other world title; effectively forcing that this feud will not continue beyond a third match.

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• Randy Orton
• Cody Rhodes
• wwe

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