'Tonight's the Night' - Fans Predict Shock WWE Wrestlepalooza Twist Involving Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton isn't scheduled to appear or compete at Wrestlepalooza, but fans are speculating over the Viper making a landscape-changing impact. He has been a babyface ever since returning at Survivor Series in November 2023, but there have been signs of the voices in his head coming to the surface.

The Legend Killer has had his eye on Rhodes' WWE Championship whenever up close to the American Nightmare. He hasn't been world champion in nearly five years, and some feel his desperation to reclaim the gold could lead to a shocking ending at tonight's PLE.

Orton lost to McIntyre on SmackDown a week ago and was hit with a Claymore after the match before Rhodes ran out to make the save. This was when the title match for Wrestlepalooza was agreed.

Rhodes has been able to turn to Orton throughout his spell as the face of WWE, but that may no longer be the case. With the WWE Championship match booked as the PLE's main event, it is anticipated that a big shock ending is in store.

One fan wrote on X in response to a fan asking if RKO turns heel: "Yes I think tonight’s the night."

Another fan pointed out his absence from SmackDown last night: "I’m guessing so. Very telling that he wasn’t on last nights show."

One thinks it depends on the outcome of the title match: "If Drew’s not winning the title, then Randy is definitely turning heel."

A feud between Rhodes and Orton has been a long time coming and would make for compelling television given their history. Some wanted to see them square off at WrestleMania last year, but WWE instead went with a heel Cena challenging the WWE Champion.

Randy Orton Planted The Seeds For Cody Rhodes Betrayal a Year Ago

The SmackDown main event scene largely involved Cody Rhodes fighting off The Bloodline 2.0 throughout 2024 but by his side was Randy Orton and Kevin Owens. The American Nightmare eventually prevailed and turned his focus to other challengers, such as John Cena, with whom he went to war at WrestleMania 41.

Orton, though, had Rhodes' back throughout his first reign as WWE Champion and never asked for anything in return. But he continuously teased his real intentions through his demeanour when in conversation with the man whom he brought under his wing as the leader of Legacy.

When the pair spoke backstage in July 2024, the 14-time world champion promised Rhodes that he had his back even when the Bloodline drama was over and "a lot of men in this locker room coming after that championship". But he paused during this before stating his promise.

This is just one of several times fans have noticed Orton perhaps secretly battling the demons that made him such a psychotic loose cannon in his previous runs. He has been spotted staring longingly at the world title each time he gets close.

It would be understandable for the 45-year-old to have grown frustrated though. He has been handed somewhat of a midcard spot in recent months, playing second fiddle to the likes of Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, John Cena and CM Punk.