Cody Rhodes goes to the dark side, punting bloodied Randy Orton to win Last Man Standing Match at Crown Jewel

Cody Rhodes embraced a more ruthless side at WWE Crown Jewel, defeating Randy Orton in a brutal Last Man Standing match in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He finished the contest with a punt to Orton’s head, delivering the payback he had pursued for months after Orton left him with a damaged eye following WrestleMania 42.

The match moved from the crowd to the stage and ring, with Orton using a trash can and powerbombing Rhodes through a table. Rhodes retaliated with steel steps and multiple Cross Rhodes; Orton began bleeding after his head struck the steps. Rhodes stopped the referee’s count and then landed the decisive kick, a move that may signal a shift in his attitude.