The June 13th, 2025, episode of SmackDown from Lexington was stacked. The Undisputed WWE Champion John Cena graced Lexington, KY, with his presence and kicked off the show. He was cocky enough to start off and declare himself on all four spots of Mount Rushmore. However, he was humbled in the next 10 minutes, being surrounded by three opponents in the ring.
Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and LA Knight Confirm Their Championship Goals
Yes, The Viper Randy Orton is back in contention for the Undisputed WWE Championship. His participation in the King of the Ring was already known. However, his shocking appearance tonight on SmackDown solidified his chances of getting back at Cena.
Cena had explained how his plan to get the ’17th’ was laid out smartly by him. However, The American Nightmare interfered and questioned his plans being supported by dirty tactics. Rhodes then mentioned that he was coming for the title.
“So John Rushmore, where does that leave you and I” CODY RHODES, RANDY ORTON AND JOHN CENA ALL IN THE SAME RINGGGGGG #SmackDown pic.twitter.com/SEHMAGBg0G
— Generation (@GEnErationalll) June 14, 2025
That’s when the ring got more stacked as ‘Voices’ hit, and Orton made his return. He did not come down slowly; in fact, he walked as fast as he could and verbally took his frustrations out on Cena. He remembered the loss from Backlash 2025 and stated his intention to get back to Cena, even ready to take on Rhodes while scraping through the KOTR.
Talking about the tournament, even LA Knight showed up and confirmed his aim to go for the Undisputed Championship after winning King of the Ring.
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes Solidified Their Championship Chances
As soon as the stacked segment between Cena, Rhodes, Orton, and Knight ended, the first-round matchup for King of the Ring began. The Viper and The Megastar were in it against Aleister Black and Carmelo Hayes. Keeping the stardom aside and just on the basis of wrestling, it could’ve been anyone’s game. However, the winner, considering the upcoming title bracket, had to be none other than Orton, who then solidified his semi-final spot.
Then in the main event, Rhodes was against Shinsuke Nakamura, Damian Priest, and Andrade. Here the American Nightmare came out victorious and headed into the semi-finals of King of the Ring. Now it is upon the RAW Fatal 4-Way’s winner to determine who faces Rhodes. While Orton is already scheduled to face Sami Zayn next week on SmackDown.