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3 Reasons Why Randy Orton Won the Men’s Elimination Chamber

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Shiraz Aslam | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 3:13 PM ET

The Road to WrestleMania is often filled with surprises, and WWE pulled off a welcome twist in Chicago this weekend. After months of teasing, Randy Orton finally pulled the trigger and hit the RKO on Cody Rhodes to punch his ticket to The Show of Shows.

The 14-time World Champion will compete for the WWE Title at WrestleMania 42. Orton is one of the biggest names on the roster today. Furthermore, fans have long complained about his underwhelming booking. Fortunately, the Elimination Chamber win changes his fortunes and brings clarity to his plans for Mania.

Nonetheless, few fans were expecting the Viper to finally win the big one in Chicago. Thus, the surprise win demands explanation. On that note, let’s look at three reasons why Randy Orton won the Men’s Elimination Chamber.

#3. WWE needed a Major Surprise on The Road to WrestleMania

Aside from CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns, the WrestleMania season feels quite flat and uninspiring. Triple H needed to move quickly and make bold decisions to light up the Road to Mania. Thus, HHH made the brave call to book Orton win the Men’s Elimination Chamber.

As mentioned previously, Orton’s win came as a surprise. Fans were betting on Cody Rhodes to win and book a date with Drew McIntyre at Mania. However, the Vipers’ win throws a major dent in the WWE Championship scene on SmackDown. Considering the ongoing feud between McIntyre and Rhodes, the American Nightmare might still wrestle for the top prize at The Show of Shows.

Nevertheless, Orton hitting the RKO on his friend, i.e., Rhodes, and winning the chamber does add a fine layer of intrigue to the main event scene on SmackDown. Furthermore, it takes Orton closer to his 15th World Title. This was the boost Mania season needed, and it came in the form of a surprise Men’s Elimination Chamber win.

#2. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton May Be on the Cards for Mania

Under Triple H’s creative regime, WWE has been forced to pivot quite a lot. Judging by the last two months of programming on SmackDown, HHH has clearly been building towards a rematch between Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania. Jacob Fatu has also been rumored to battle for the WWE Title.

However, WWE could have changed course yet again. Fans have been demanding a legitimate World Title program between Orton and Rhodes for years, and HHH might give it to them at Mania. The American Nightmare will face the Scottish Warrior on the upcoming edition of SmackDown for the top prize.

Barring any shenanigans and outside interference, Rhodes has a decent chance of reclaiming his belt on Friday. After dethroning McIntyre, the American Nightmare will head into Mania as champion to face his mentor, Randy Orton.

#1. Orton Could Be Embracing the Dark Side Again

Randy Orton only won the Men’s Elimination Chamber upon finally nailing Cody Rhodes with the RKO. Given their friendship and shared respect, Orton has hesitated to attack Rhodes in the past, which ultimately cost him greatly. Pulling the trigger in Chicago got him the big win he desperately needed.

To add more context, Aleister Black has been trying to play psychological warfare with Orton, persuading the Viper to listen to “the voices in his head.” Black may have gotten to Orton, who finally decided to capitalize on the opportunity and RKO his friend.

Although Orton has been incredibly entertaining and respectable in recent years, the Viper has done his best work as a sinister villain. Heelish tendencies have brought him much success. Thus, the 14-time World Champion could be reverting to the dark side yet again.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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