[10.0] "[4.75*] my match of the year for wwe ppv in 2025. i love the crowd during this one and randy orton's story of doing anything to get back to the belt is just awesome. cody rhdoes and randy orton was protraying different face personas throughout because they're both desperate, and one of them's gonna turn heel. big foreshadowing for next year's wrestlemania. the ending was fantastic despite criticism and i loved orton going back to back king of the ring finals. i would've loved the orton heel turn at this one more than next year with mcafee. but anyways, super match!"
[8.0] "The ending was, definitely a bit weird. But at the same time it's also done since I doubt this is the big payoff between Cody and Randy since they'll eventually have a face vs heel feud even if it takes years for Triple H to pull the trigger on it. I thought they worked very well together. Randy was selling like rent was due and they just had really good chemistry with each other. I don't know if Cody needed a king of the ring win to get a rematch with Cena because every champion seemingly gets an automatic rematch whenever they lose the title but It's fine I guess. I'm surprised Randy still hasn't turned heel since this."
[8.0] "This was lovely. The story of the match was Randy being willing to do whatever it takes to win the match and at the end it backfired on him when he tried to pull out a dirty trick to use the exposed turnbuckle to his advantage to win the match. But before that, big fight feel, the atmosphere was electric, a match 12 years in the making. Both guys kept things respectively during the early feel out process up until Randy tweaked his back after delivering a superplex, then the dynamics flip here with Cody working on top. Starts targeting the back delivering various moves which Randy sold brilliantly btw before things turn into a nice back and forth affair when both guys into their stuff. What was the big reason for why Cody lost the title at mania? He hesitated when John put him in a difficult position to pull the trigger which ultimately led to him losing the match. So when Randy got desperate at the end when he tried to use the exposed turnbuckle, Cody reversed it into another cross rhodes for the win. His post match promo helped cement my thoughts about this match even further with Cody essentially saying he's gotta do what he has to do to get the ball back (the undisputed title) with no hesitation. This was very good. A lot was left on the table which makes me wonder if that button does get pressed to run this match back with more build this time, especially from Randy, knowing he got out mastered by the student. I think a Randy heel turn would be very dumb at this stage of his career, but WWE has done a lot stupid things this year so I wouldn't be surprised if that's what ends up happening. ***3/4"
[7.0] "A good solid match with Randy obviously wanting to fight back his voices telling him to cheat and hurt his friend, only for when he does try to cheat, it backfire and cost him the match. A good story that should progress the Randy/Cody feud but it was used as a vehicle to get us to Cody/Cena at SummerSlam."
[8.0] "MOTN and one of the most underrated of the year. Crowd was electric during the opener and the two had great chemistry in the ring. Cody winning was super predictable though, as they were a month removed from Randy vs Cena's "one last time" match so they were never giving him the spot at SummerSlam. The finish was still done well with Randy trying to use the turnbuckle and Cody countering him, so overall a good match. (8/10)"
[5.0] "Thought this was heading in a real interesting direction after they made a point of Orton selling his back after the superplex. But it became a by the numbers fed main event where Orton forgot to sell the back for the middle portion. Then that weird finish that kinda rocked in theory but the crowd wasnt really into the turnbuckle segment. **3/4"
[7.0] "A really solid opener here, in what I could call the best match of the show. This did go on for a long time, but I liked it by the end. Rhodes getting the win is the best outcome for this, as well, in my opinion. I don't really need another instance of Orton going against John Cena. That said, I do hope Rhodes and Cena can redeem themselves after their WrestleMania match."
[8.0] "This was a great clash with strong storytelling, smooth execution, and a steady build that paid off by the end. It didn't rely on wild spots or chaotic pacing just classic, methodical wrestling done right. The chemistry was undeniable, and the emotional weight added an extra layer."
[8.0] "I really liked this match. Randy selling was insanely good, as always. I still feel like they're saving their best matches for when Randy eventually turns on Cody - you can sense they're building up to that someday in the future, maybe when Cody wins the Title from Cena. I also liked how Cody adapted to the crowd's reaction to Randy and worked a bit more heelish. The RKO outta nowhere was great, and the finish, with Randy hesitating to hit his protégé, was perfect for their story. It added that extra emotional layer between them, when he finally pulls the trigger on Cody it will be great TV."
[6.0] "I'm glad there are fans out there that enjoyed this match. I thought it was fine. Rhodes and Orton are two of the best wrestlers veterans in the WWE right now. I just didn't need to see this match. There wasn't really a story behind it despite their history together. Also, neither of them need to be King Of The Ring at this point in their careers. It's a fun temporary title to help boost someone's worth in the company, and both of these guys are multi-time world champions. It was kind of like having two major league baseball teams facing off in the Triple A World Series. I"m also getting tired of Cody getting the 2014 Roman Reigns treatment. He's really been done dirty by the writing staff who have consistently failed to put him into an interesting feud since his series of matches with Owens. I'm not at all excited to see him face Cena again, though that's more on Cena than him."
[0.0] "Well, as expected, their match had no special storytelling. A total of 6 sequences were made, all 6 of which were finishers, which is nothing special. I don't know why Cody worked on Randy's back, but if it was to control momentum, which is really poor psychology, and Cody didn't even work on his opponent's head, and he didn't even work on Randy's hands to reduce the power of the finisher against him. I said, All Rounder, right? There was no specific style structure to this match, and that's the worst thing about the match. Randy Orton's Selling were also very interesting, and with his strange sell, he was telling me that he himself understood that this match was very bad and didn't even try to make it better. The referee of the match, as usual, had the worst possible refereeing, and I don't know why Cody was holding the crown in his hands after winning?"
[2.0] "Probably the worst match I've ever seen from Randy. It's not Randy's fault, of course. The booking of this match is stupid. Let alone Cody really not knowing where to hit Randy the most, even though Randy's back is his weak point. Or why didn't Randy's back hurt in his previous match against Sami Zayn? Why did he kick Cody in the face but want to finish him off with a chair or the corner of the ring? The double has everything, but he's not using it right now."
[6.0] "We're clearly heading toward a "Cody vs. Cena II" at SummerSlam following Cody's unsurprising victory. Still, it was a good match between the two finalists. Randy keeps impressing me with his incredibly effective in-ring style, while preserving his back. He really shines during big matches -- I loved both Randy-Gunther bouts, and I really enjoyed this one too. Cody basically played the "heel" role the whole match, ruthlessly targeting Randy's back. What really bothered me was the ending -- seeing Orton completely lose his mind just because Cody kicked out of an RKO (when we all know it usually takes at least two to win) was frustrating. He grabs a chair and tries to cheat, which was a pretty weak bit of writing. The ending left me cold. I'm sensing a double turn coming between Cena and Cody at SummerSlam based on how their stories are being written."
[7.0] "Aqui sem dúvida a melhor luta do evento. O resultado já era previsível, Cody Rhodes ainda é o Top Guy da empresa, o público o ama, e desde o começo do ano já estava se desenhando para ele enfrentar John Cena no Summerslam. Porém esse Cody Rhodes face, não me agrada muito, mas vamos aguardar até o Summerslam"
[9.0] "This was an incredible match. These two beat the crap out of each other. The Disaster kick countered into an RKO was impressive. Altogether it was an outstanding match."
[8.0] "This was my favorite one on one match from Randy Orton since his return in 2023. Knowing the history these two had to together, I had high expectations, and sure enough they delivered. In the beginning of the match Orton hurts his back, they did a great job of implementing that factor throughout the match. It was an entertaining match, with some great back and forth sequences and a creative finish. The crowd was hot from start to finish as well. One of the best matches of the year so far, hopefully not the last time we see these two on opposing sides in the ring. 4.25*"
[7.0] "really liked this match a lot, huge vibes from the insane crowd on this one, and both guys just did a really solid job. Cody was working heel for this one since Randy is absolutely beloved in Saudi as a legend, and that was really fun to see. There was some nice aggression between both guys as the story was clearly 2 friends who wish they were in another situation, but want to do whatever it takes in order to gain this victory. Orton's selling was fantastic throughout this match, telling a really engaging story with his surgically repaired back that lasted through the entire match. I thought the finish was a bit abrupt, but it still got a big reaction and it wasn't too big of a deal at the end of the day, but it is keeping this match at a 7 for me rather than an 8."
"A nice classic psychological wrestling match without 10 backflips a minute. Orton and Cody are good in ring workers and Orton did a great job selling the hurt back. I was really surprised how much the Saudi crowd seemed to prefer Randy over Cody. It's interesting how they set up Orton hesitating to hurt Cody and Cody not hesitating to do the same. I'm not sure where Cody played dirty or whatever, but Cole said it like they intentionally put it out there. Foreshadowing a Cody heel turn? Cody gets the belt back from Cena at SummerSlam by turning heel. Cena turns face and gets the belt back from Cody by the end of the year. Once again a face, he gives the belt up instead of retiring with it, thereby returning to his "hustle, loyalty, respect" motto. Just a thought."
[7.0] "Honestly could have used another 5 to 10 minutes. This went so quick and felt both of the wrestlers had more to give. Hopefully in the future. The chemistry was on point as if they had been doing this for a long time. Randy has more chemistry with Cody than he has with Cena. Randy out here pulling out all the moves. Been while since he did a top rope Superplex. It does feel like Cody's heel turn is soon to be realized."
[7.0] "This match ended not only as my favorite on the card but also as my most underwhelming since I was looking forward to it the most and expecting something truly special, and this was not. I did enjoy this a lot, though, and thought it was really good, especially the first 12+ minutes up until Randy hit the hanging DDT. Their work in that section was gorgeous. Everything after was more hit than miss, but still, I did not enjoy those flaws. The last 7 minutes were worked in a way that felt inorganic and cheaper than the work prior, with them seemingly working for the bigger reactions and dramatic theatrics, with their roles being muddled. There was very nice work to start the match, establishing Randy as the one with more power, as it took him less to drop Cody, while Cody had to work more to stun Orton, so it was nice when they transitioned to Cody working the back because it was believable that he'd have to create a weak point to gain an advantage. That was my favorite section, with Randy selling fantastically and Cody returning to the damaged back to momentarily overwhelm Orton with pain to deliver his other offense as well; great stuff. Also, although I thought it was weird that Randy hesitated to deliver a punt and later cheated, as it not only undermined Cody's concentrated aggression but also his whole babyface fighting-from-underneath performance, Cody locking in figure 4 to take his legs out was smart, logical work. I'm guessing Cody worked with more aggression to get his edge back after the whole belt thing with Cena, or he's making a transition to heel, like he mentioned. ***1/2"
[8.0] "I think Orton may be one of the best sellers in the business. Notice I said seller, not bumper. They played to the back injury here which we all know is based in reality, which adds to its effectiveness. A really good match between mentor and mentee with the student showing the ruthlessness needed to get the job done, despite his personal feelings. Crowd were into both guys (edging towards Orton) which helped this one. Right winner which sets up a Mania rematch at Summerslam."
[8.0] "Great match for both, Orton sold the damage he suffered on his back very well and used it during the fight in a very interesting way, creating drama. Cody, although a natural babyface, did a great job of noticing this damage and attacking him a lot. I found the end of the match a bit strange, instead of hitting him in the back in the corner, Randy was hit in the chest, maybe it would have made more sense if it had been his back, but that didn't hurt the match that much. It was fun overall."
[8.0] "Thought it was a great match with some questionable decisions in the matchup. The beginning of the match had the big fight feel with its pacing and psychology. Just don't understand why Orton waited on the punt, just made no sense for the story of both wanting another shot at Cena. Feels like they just want to redo the Owens vs Rhodes storyline down the road. Also had a pretty flat finish with the turnbuckle pad being removed by Orton and then Orton hitting the exposed turnbuckle to give Rhodes the win. Think this was unnecessary. Think they nailed the first half but made some odd decisions in the back half."
"Cody can't structure a match for shit and sucks ass. Butchers and shreds the already starts-good-but-turns-shit layout by pinning over and over rather than use them to help keep the structure of a match"
[6.0] "The in ring work here is good, which is why it's a 6. however, I don't think they decided on what the match should be, they went from having an old school style match to finisher spams. Randy was built as the face and Cody the heel the entire match but then Randy is the one who tries to go heel first? Just for Cody to cheat to win anyway? Doesn't make much sense."
[4.0] "The final of the King of the Ring tournament. A surprising appointment of roles in this one. Cody was the one playing heel, going after Orton's back out of Randy's tweaking it. The kind of limb targeting that's not earned and only works for a face when he is outmatched or as a form of retribution against even more cruel acts. This was not the case. Rhodes was clearly the heel. His heat segment was not that interesting, but Orton's selling more than made up for it. Then you get into the finishing stretch, and it all goes downhill. Too many finisher kickouts (without even taking advantage of Randy's bumped back to do a slow cover), too much time taken before doing the punt kick wasted in cheap theatrics, and a role reversal where Randy acts like the heel is too much bad stuff for this match to resist it."
[8.0] "Whilst there was nothing that was out of this world, it was an extremely solid, well paced match between two veterans. Nothing really to critique beyond it not having that extra omph to make it next-level stuff."
[8.0] "Really good match between two wrestlers who know each other very well. Cody was always going to win King of the Ring this year. It makes sense."
[7.0] "A good slow psychology based wrestling match between two heavily old school workers Very happy with how this one went it was the only wwe match I cared for in some months and it was very good"
[7.0] "Seven points in this site in the middle rate for satisfactory and good, and I can easily qualify this match with that rating without feeling any remorse for that. They did not had a great chemistry, the logical wasn't the strongest part of this match and almost came to a moment where everything they did was a spotfest. However, Randy Orton is in the best shape of his career, Cody is and will ever be a solid and strong worker, the match was decente and enjoyable easily. In the next time both guys face each other, I hope it will be a classic heel vs face."
[7.0] "Super obsessed with randy right now. He's in this real rich vein of form where things are just working for him, he's breaking away from the WWE mould and just being real creative with the things he does and to WWE's credit they're also giving him the right dance partners. Definitely think you can do away with the crisis of conscience with regards to the punt kick especially when the end saw him expose the turnbuckle, that doesn't make a lot of sense for me and I would have just enjoyed the match more if he punted cody and cody just rolled out for the false finish. But outside of that, I think brilliant performance from orton. Cody, I think could have added a little more variety to his offense to randy's back. But all in all, very decent. MOTN, the right winner but some things that could've made the match better."
[7.0] "The King of the Ring final. Cody and Orton had a good, well worked, competitive match. Flat finish with Orton hitting his side on the exposed turnbuckle and it only taking one Cross Rhodes to finish him off. Predictable winner, that's fine because it was the correct one. This set up an eventual Orton heel turn while Cody gets a rematch against Cena at SummerSlam. 7/10"
[7.0] "Proper old school wrasslin match, the kind I love. Some nice aura farming at the start, making the most of the hot crowd before locking up and breaking. Meat of the match was super fun, lots of counters and reversals but nothing feeling too choreographed. Fascinating crowd response causing Cody to work heel and Orton becoming the babyface working underneath, but completely fell apart narratively by the time we got to Orton cheating. A great finish, but the wrong one for this match/crowd. Hated the Orton being conflicted over the punt kick spot too, that ain't Randy."
[8.0] "The finish is a touch flatter than you'd like, but this is a nice addition to the growing evidence that the 2020s have been Orton's most consistent decade. He's a different wrestler now, even more selective in content and pace, but his greatest strengths feel as pronounced as ever. Orton's selling swiftly becomes the match's centrepiece, equally forcing a focus from the occasionally scatterbrained Rhodes. More than anything, that allows the lads to lean on the fundamentals, having a classical match that frankly, would've benefited from more space for the simple things. Very good opener. ***3/4"
[7.0] "This one had the potential to be better than it was, but it was still a fine match, well worked, by two excellent wrestlers, and ended up being the MOTN. Randy and Cody took some time to pick up, they were (exaggeratedly even) feeling the moment, and enjoying the party of the crowd, which was fantastic in this match. I think it's curious that Randy was so over here, and they were even booing Cody Rhodes at some points, specially as the match went on, the crowd's preference for Randy was getting more and more evident, and Cody got the boo in the boo/yeah spot. This match was solid, I've missed those smart Orton weekly-TV sequences, here they were focusing more on doing finishers and big nearfalls, but it was definitely a good match. At the end, Orton hesitated to do the punt kick, and Cody managed to recover, but basically right after, he exposed the turnbuckle, which also backfired, and Rhodes won the match. His post-match promo was great - {***1/4}"
[7.0] "Good story for this match but a little over long. Takes a while to get started. The pace is decent throughout though it does have some slow sections. Overall a good opener but there really wasn't anything too special about it. Competently wrestled."
[7.0] "this was a great opener match that got a big boost from the crowd being molten hot for it. But the match wasn't something special or something i'd personally go and make sure i re watch from time to time i think that's because this is the set up to a bigger picture. The story is rich here with orton fighting his voices and not hitting cody with the punt as soon as he had the chance. Either this will be called back on in a few months with orton turning on cody and hitting him with the punt. Or seeing how the finish went i wouldn't be surprised if they actually had cody to heel with the reason being he'd do anything to be the guy again. He was the guy for a year straight and he can't handle the idea of him not being the QB. This setting up a cody heel turn. Either way i think this will be a wrestlemania match for the wwe title it's just who will be walking in with the belt and who will be walking in heel. 4 stars"
[7.0] "I'm seeing really high ratings for this match--don't get me wrong, it wasn't bad, but nothing special either. The pacing was easy to predict, with a potential Orton turn in the coming months. We all know that in WWE, if it's face vs face, one of them has to act like a heel--they just can't seem to pull off a clean face vs face match. What's so wrong with that? No idea. Predictable win, luckily they put it on as the opener. An average match with an expected outcome--passable, I guess."
[7.0] "I thought they were doing very well until the last couple of minutes. Randy resorting to cheating tactics, even though we know that's not out the question for him, just seemed to come out of nowhere and wasn't earned. And then it didn't work anyway, and not in a dramatic enough fashion to punctuate the match result."
"[8.0] Actually I knew before the ring bells that this match will be so good, and It was, the chemistry between the teacher and the student you can feel it, I think It'll continue and at the end Randy will turn HEEL, can't wait for that moment, and I really had fun watching this amazing match."
[9.0] "It was predictable with Cody being the obvious winner, but it's a fantastic match between both men with really amazing in ring work and psychology between each other with Orton hinting a potential heel turn towards the finish and the crowds was extremely hot for all of it."
[6.0] "This was very classic. Just Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton in a singles match. They pulled out their classic moves without bringing any particular drama. It was a poorly booked face-versus-face match; you could feel Cody and Orton constantly switching between heel and face roles during the bout. It's a real shame to have wasted this "dream match" between the two for a final in Saudi Arabia."
[10.0] "I love when the wrestlers dial it back to the basics when they can get the crowd superhot for it. Granted, it's more impressive if you do it with a regular crowd, but seizing the opportunity when it presents itself is very good too. I was enthralled by the struggle over the exposed turnbuckle."
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