New Headline: "Randy Orton Makes $10M Debut on WWE - Record-Breaking Success!

WWE Heading into Elimination Chamber last month, the expectation was that Cody Rhodes would win the match and set up a final clash with Drew McIntyre at WrestleMania 42 . Instead, WWE fans were thrown a curveball when Randy Orton surprised by booking a ticket to the April mega-event. Well, fans got another unexpected storyline pivot on Friday’s SmackDown .

After regaining the WWE Undisputed title last week, Orton faced the new champ for Wrestlemania 42, Rhodes, in a classic WWE contract signing. Yet, despite the titlist showering his long-time friend with love and shaking hands, what many fans speculated about for years finally happened, and Orton’s true “Viper” form returned. To the dismay of fans in Phoenix, the title challenger viciously attacked Rhodes.

Ripping his shirt to shreds, leaving him an unconscious, bloody heap after a nasty chair shot to the face. While the creative pivot caught many off guard, we look at five reasons why Orton’s heel turn on SmackDown was best for business. Randy Orton is just better as a heel Credit: WWE Do you know why Orton is a wrestling legend?

Sure, the 14 world titles play a role. Likewise, for his outstanding wrestling throughout his career, and having one of the best finishes in WWE history. But more than anything, it’s because he is a dangerous and unpredictable character.