Cody Rhodes Punts Randy Orton, Wins Last Man Standing Match At WWE Crown Jewel 2026
After being at odds for all of 2026, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton looked to finally settle their score at WWE Crown Jewel 2026 in a Last Man Standing match. There were weapons and even some blood, but at the end of the match, it was Rhodes who had his hand raised.
A hot start from both men saw Rhodes take an early advantage after hitting a Tope Suicida to the outside, but Orton reversed the momentum and hit three side slams into the announce table on Rhodes, before hitting a fourth through the announce table covering. Rhodes rallied back as the action spilled out into the crowd but Orton kept pushing forward by using a trash can and its lid as the referee continued to count. A kendo stick came into play from Orton, but Rhodes mounted a comeback and used the weapon to take control as the action went up the ramp.
Up on the entrance stage, Rhodes used another trash can to keep Orton at bay before introducing a table to the match. However, Orton countered with a poke to the eye and put Rhodes through the table with a Powerbomb, though the "American Nightmare" was able to get up at the count of eight. When the action returned to the ring, Rhodes kicked the ropes to stall Orton and once again tried to come back as both men went up to the top rope. A Superplex from Orton put Rhodes down for a brief moment, and a Draping DDT kept Rhodes down for a little longer but he kept getting up.
Orton went for the RKO but a poke to the eye from Rhodes turned the tide as he also landed a Cody Cutter, but Orton got up. Rhodes tried to pay homage to his dad with a series of punches, but stalled for too long and Orton landed an RKO out of nowhere. Rhodes was able to rise and the action once again went to the outside as Orton tried to end things with the steel steps, but Rhodes ducked and used the steps for himself, before clearing the announce table and placing Orton on it so he could find a ladder. Rhodes went to the top of the ladder and went for a Splash but Orton rolled out of the way and Rhodes crashed through the table to the floor below.
Rhodes was just about to get up, but Orton wanted to finish things with a Punt in the ring but missed, allowing Rhodes to hit another Cody Cutter and then a Cross Rhodes. Orton got up at nine as Rhodes introduced a chair and the stairs as he wanted to finish things, but Orton hit a Low Blow to stop the match from ending. However, Rhodes would hit three Cross Rhodes', the third busting Orton open as his head connected with the stairs, and finally hitting a Punt to gain the win.