Home / Sports / Orton Stuns SummerSlam: Heel Turn Backfires?
Orton Stuns SummerSlam: Heel Turn Backfires?
2 Aug
Summary
- Randy Orton returned at SummerSlam 2026 with an RKO on Cody Rhodes.
- CM Punk secured a victory using his fifth GTS after Orton's intervention.
- WWE faces a 'heel problem' as Orton's return garnered cheers.
Randy Orton shocked the WWE Universe at SummerSlam 2026 with a surprise return, delivering a devastating RKO to Cody Rhodes. This unexpected interference paved the way for CM Punk to secure a victory, executing his fifth GTS.
Orton's intervention was intended as a heel turn, but the live crowd reacted with cheers, revealing WWE's persistent "heel problem." The company struggles to establish credible antagonists as fan favorites like Roman Reigns and even Solo Sikoa are now consistently cheered.
This scenario unfolded during a main event featuring top babyfaces Cody Rhodes and CM Punk, a narrative that, while compelling, reflects a repetitive formula. The continued reliance on popular heroes battling for world titles without strong villains suggests a need for new, effective heels to balance the roster.
