3 Ways WWE can save Cody Rhodes after Randy Orton’s heel flip backfired on SmackDown

This week on SmackDown, Randy Orton turned his back on Cody Rhodes by unleashing a merciless attack on him. The Viper finally unleashed its venom as he absolutely annihilated the champion. WWE intended to make Rhodes the ultimate sympathetic babyface in this feud, who would get huge fan support while positioning Orton as a vicious heel getting massive boos.

However, the live crowd reaction largely backfired on that plan. Fans gave a thunderous pop for Randy Orton throughout the beatdown, cheering the attack and chanting for him. They reacted with excitement rather than boos, making it look like Cody Rhodes was a heel and The Viper was a babyface. The reaction from fans on SmackDown turned the actual plan upside down.

Let’s take a look at three ways WWE can save Rhodes after Orton’s heel turn backfired:

#3. Lean into Cody Rhodes’ underdog story or resilient story

One of the ways WWE can ensure Cody Rhodes gets cheered is by showcasing a vulnerable champion fighting in the face of adversity. The 40-year-old must return next week on SmackDown, looking battered and bruised, covered up in stitches. Rhodes must deliver an emotional promo, stating how he always looked up to Randy Orton as a mentor and that the love he had for the latter would never die, regardless of the betrayal he suffered.

A poignant promo like that could evoke a keen sense of sadness within the fans, garnering sympathy towards The American Nightmare. Right after that, WWE must let Orton ambush him from behind with another vicious attack. This could flip the power dynamic, making Cody look like the wronged hero betrayed by his own mentor. This could play a key role in developing a soft corner for him among fans and that’s exactly what WWE needs.

#2. Bring any legendary figure into the equation

One of the best and most efficient ways that could help WWE fix the current situation is by involving a third party in this WrestleMania feud. The company must bring in a veteran figure from Cody Rhodes’ past or a family member and get him viciously attacked by Randy Orton. This would instantly cause fans to turn on The Viper, making him look like a diabolical heel. Meanwhile, fans will rally behind Rhodes to teach the 45-year-old a lesson.

The company can also use its traditional method by involving the reference of the legendary Dusty Rhodes in this feud. WWE did this several times during The American Nightmare’s rivalry with The Rock, Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre. Therefore, Randy Orton throwing shades at Cody Rhodes’ late father and disrespecting his legacy would disgust fans. The very fans that cheered when Cody got beaten up this week would once again start cheering for him.

#1. Let Randy Orton throw a tirade against the WWE fans

When Randy Orton unleashed a barbaric attack on Cody Rhodes, fans in the arena gave him a thunderous cheer. It did conflict with what WWE wanted from the entire situation, but Orton was a beloved veteran that fans adore, regardless of what he does. However, the company can change the situation in the blink of an eye by letting the 14-time World Champion turn on fans.

Randy Orton should show up next week on SmackDown and throw a verbal tirade against the crowd. He could mock and criticize the WWE Universe like a typical heel. This would naturally turn cheerful faces into woeful ones, garnering a chorus of boos towards Orton. Meanwhile, fans will get a strong reason to support Cody Rhodes and things will align perfectly with what WWE wanted.