WWE feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton can only be settled with this match type

WWE

With the violence increasing between WWE SmackDown stars Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, their rivalry could justify resurrecting a very specific kind of match.

Given everything that has happened between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes over the years, perhaps the perfect way to punctuate the end of this chapter is through a unique form of WWE storytelling – the cinematic match.

Pandemic era necessity

Of course, while pre-taped segments were not a new concept, crafting an entire match in a more cinematic style became a necessity during the pandemic-era of WWE.

With several standouts over the era, there were some iconic moments that simply wouldn’t be possible in a traditional in-ring affair. 

Possibly serving as an intriguing pathway for Rhodes and Orton to explore how to close this chapter of the battle between the pair of longtime friends and foes – there are two excellent examples from WrestleMania 36 that could lead the way.

The Undertaker vs. AJ Styles — Boneyard Match
WrestleMania 36

Serving as one of the shining examples of the concept, the first cinematic match between the Undertaker and AJ Styles at WrestleMania 36 continues to hold up.

With stunt-style camera work, extensive editing and a variety of spooky details in multiple locations, the shoot was a comprehensive farewell to a legendary character in a brand new way.

Bringing together elements of the ridiculous with serious fighting scenes, there is a case to be made that both Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes could make magic with the cinematic formula.

John Cena vs. “The Fiend” Bray Wyatt — Firefly Fun House Match
WrestleMania 36

 

Less of a wrestling bout and more of a surrealist short film in homage to the career of John Cena, the Firefly Fun House Match was a fascinating example of a format that could work well between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.

With the Firefly Funhouse concept seeing Wyatt essentially walk Cena through stages of his career, Cena is beaten down by the process psychologically before the physicality even picks up.

This particular bout technically ends with Wyatt pinning Cena but playing out more like an art piece than a wrestling match, Rhodes and Orton could definitely take inspiration from this cinematic match.

Randy Orton has been there before

While it didn’t happen during the pandemic, Randy Orton has certainly participated in cinematic matches in the past that are still remembered by fans.

The 2017 House of Horrors match between Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt is one spectacular example of how the concept can be outside of the ring, fighting through a cinematic nightmare and ending in a spectacular scene.

Elsewhere, Orton kept feuding with Wyatt three years later, now competing against The Fiend in December 2020 Firefly Inferno Match was still set in the ring albeit with some Hollywood editing magic to add to the supernatural look and feel of the very real fire elements around the ring.

Cinematic Cody

With his big box office debut the following Friday after Money in the Bank, it could be that this is the perfect time for Rhodes to show off his acting chops.

Before the world meets him as Street Fighter icon Guile, Rhodes could put to rest his recent feuding with Randy Orton whether or not it meant he was set to win or lose.

Potentially serving as a way to write Rhodes off of WWE TV for a spell to set up a triumphant return in the future, it will be interesting to see how this feud plays out even if it isn’t in cinematic form in the end.

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• wwe
• Randy Orton
• Cody Rhodes

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