The Real Story
But perhaps the most frustrating element is that WWE failed to tell the actual story that has made fans clamor for an Orton-Rhodes feud for years. Fans wanted to see both men lean into their history, including their family ties and the era where their fathers crossed paths in the ring.
Bob Orton Jr. and Dusty Rhodes wrestled one-on-one between 10 and 15 times during 1975–76 in CWF, based in Florida, as well as in the Georgia and Mid-Atlantic regions. The two were also involved in roughly 30 tag team matches against one another.
Years later, Randy and Cody joined forces with Ted DiBiase Jr. to form The Legacy, a faction that ran from 2008 to 2010. Rhodes has frequently credited Orton with being a mentor to him during that time. Eventually, the three clashed just as most factions do, leading to a Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 26 with Orton taking the win.
Fans wanted WWE to lean into the pair’s history and the pride they take in their family names, but the company decided against that approach. McAfee’s inclusion in this storyline doesn’t serve a clear purpose and detracts from the dynamic that should have been the focus, which would have raised the stakes beyond the Undisputed WWE Championship.
