King of the Ring heats up as Randy Orton books semifinal spot
Image via WWE
WWE veteran
Randy Orton
made a thunderous return to Friday Night SmackDown this week, marking his first appearance since his loss to
John Cena
at Backlash. And in classic Orton fashion, he made an immediate impact - both in the ring and in the King of the Ring tournament.
The Viper strikes again
The Viper was slotted into a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way match alongside LA Knight, Carmelo Hayes, and Aleister Black. With a semifinal spot on the line and a potential title shot at SummerSlam hanging in the balance, Orton entered with fierce intent. His path, however, wasn't entirely smooth.
Randy Orton advances in King of the Ring Tournament: SmackDown highlights, June 13, 2025
During the chaotic bout, interference from WWE Raw stars Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker tipped the scales. Reed shoved LA Knight off the top rope, allowing Breakker to deliver a brutal spear.
Seizing the opportunity, Orton caught Carmelo Hayes mid-air with a vintage RKO before pinning Knight for the win.
With this victory, Randy Orton moves on to face Sami Zayn in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament. The winner of the prestigious bracket will receive a world title opportunity at SummerSlam, setting up a possible rematch between Orton and his longtime rival, John Cena - provided Cena retains against CM Punk at Night of Champions.
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Sparks fly between Randy Orton and John Cena
Interestingly, Orton's return was not just confined to in-ring action. Before the match, he had a brief but tense moment with Cena during a segment also involving Cody Rhodes and LA Knight. While Cena eventually walked away, the tension between the two legends was hard to miss - and perhaps a sign of things to come.
FULL SEGMENT: Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton and LA Knight call out John Cena: SmackDown, June 13, 2025
Fans have been vocal online, with many divided over LA Knight's early exit. Comments under WWE's announcement of Orton's victory ranged from frustration over Knight's loss to support for Orton's comeback story.
One fan posted, 'Randy will go all the way! He will win this year!' while another noted, 'Orton vs Sami will be gold.'
Orton, a multiple-time world champion, has shown no signs of slowing down despite the recent setback at Backlash. If he manages to win the King of the Ring, it could set up one of WWE's most anticipated summer clashes.
With storylines heating up and the King of the Ring tournament nearing its climax, all eyes are now on SmackDown's next chapter - and whether Orton's resurgence leads him back to the very top.
Also Read:
Ron Killings vs. John Cena heats up again - What's next for this WWE rivalry?
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