Cody Rhodes may have finally proved Randy Orton wrong. The American Nightmare has spent months facing questions about whether he has the ruthless side needed to match his former mentor. However, the October 16 episode of WWE SmackDown saw him cross that line with a vicious punt kick.

For months, Orton has questioned whether the American Nightmare is willing to embrace his dark side to become champion again. Earlier this year, he betrayed Rhodes and used the punt kick that sidelined his enemy for weeks. The Viper later challenged Rhodes to prove that he could be just as ruthless.

Rhodes has now answered that challenge.

Baron Corbin takes the punt kick meant for Randy Orton from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes has been trying to get another match against Orton for weeks after the Viper defeated him at WWE Sunday Night’s Main Event. Orton has said that he is not avoiding Rhodes but simply does not want to face him again.

That answer has not satisfied the American Nightmare. He has continued showing up on SmackDown to demand another opportunity. This week, Rhodes brought a chair into the ring and said he would wait all night for Orton to appear.

Baron Corbin unexpectedly interrupted, claiming he wanted to expose Rhodes’ true nature. Their confrontation turned into an impromptu main event.

The match began with Corbin taking control through heavy strikes and his Deep Six. Rhodes eventually fought back, hitting a snap powerslam before launching his signature offense. A Disaster Kick left Corbin struggling.

However, Orton suddenly pulled Rhodes out of the ring, causing a disqualification.

The Viper attacked Rhodes at ringside. He repeatedly punched him, slammed him onto the commentary table, and threw him into the steel ring post. Once they returned to the ring, Orton looked ready to deliver his punt kick.

However, Rhodes fought back before Randy Orton could land the kick. As Rhodes was preparing to land a punt kick on the Viper, Corbin interrupted, giving Orton a chance to escape the ring.

Rhodes countered Corbin’s End of Days attempt and hit a Super Cody Cutter. The Viper watched from ringside and continued taunting Rhodes that he could never go to the full extent.

However, Cody Rhodes had already made his decision.

With Corbin down on his knees, the American Nightmare delivered a vicious punt kick directly to his head. Orton looked stunned by what he had just seen.

This could give Rhodes the edge he needs as he continues chasing championship gold and fulfilling a personal vendetta. However, the risk is that embracing this darker side could take him down a path that is difficult to leave behind.