Orton’s Return Helps Team Cody Win Men’s War Games Match 2023

ByVipin Raghuwanshi
Men's War Games Match WWE Survivor Series 2023
Credits – WWE

Cody Rhodes’ team emerged victorious against The Judgment Day in the Men’s War Games match at WWE Survivor Series 2023 PLE.

During the event, Team Cody awaited Randy Orton’s appearance as he was notably absent from the arena. Despite his absence, Judgment Day remained optimistic as Team Cody prepared to compete with four members.

On behalf of Team Judgment Day, Finn Balor initiated the match, while for Team Cody, Seth Rollins was the starting competitor. Rollins swiftly began the match with a suicide dive and proceeded to slam Balor multiple times against the steel cage. Balor staged a comeback by countering Rollins’ buckle bomb move and retaliated by slamming Rollins onto the steel cage.

JD McDonagh made the second entrance for Team Judgment Day, and upon entering, both McDonagh and Balor dominated Rollins by using a Kendo stick, overpowering him in the match. Balor concentrated only on targeting Rollins’ injured back by repeatedly striking it with the Kendo stick. Jey Uso made the second entrance for Team Cody, which shifted the momentum in favor of Team Cody. Damian Priest then made the third entrance for Team Judgment Day.

With Priest’s entrance, Team Priest gained a 3-on-2 advantage. Sami Zayn was the third entry for Team Cody and used the Kendo stick to take down Balor and McDonagh. Zayn then entered the cage carrying a table.

Zayn seized control of the match by utilizing a pipe that was attached to the cage, furthering his advantage. Following this, Drew McIntyre entered for Team Judgment Day. Upon entering, McIntyre aggressively tossed each of his opponents, asserting his dominance in the match.

McIntyre and Jey Uso collided with each other, reigniting their rivalry, with McIntyre gaining the upper hand in the collision. Cody Rhodes was to take control of the match upon his entry. Rhodes brought out a bull rope and seemingly formed an alliance with Rollins. Dominik Mysterio was the final man to enter for Team Judgment Day, shifting the match’s dynamics to a 5-on-4 situation.

Dominik’s moment of dominance was short-lived, as he was brutally assaulted by Cody’s team. However, soon after, Team Judgment Day regained full control over Team Cody with Priest smashing Rollins through a table via Razor’s Edge.

Afterward, Rhea Ripley arrived with Priest’s Money In the Bank Contract, seemingly to assist Priest in cashing it in. However, Randy Orton made his entrance as the fifth member for Team Cody. Subsequently, the War Games match was officially announced. The pivotal moment of the match arrived when all the members of Team Cody simultaneously executed Orton’s signature Vintage DDT move with Randy Orton.

Following the Vintage DDT, McDonagh attempted to escape the cage, but Rollins and Zayn pursued him. Ultimately, McDonagh was thrown from the top of the cage, where Orton delivered an RKO. In the closing moments, Rhodes executed a Cross Rhodes on Priest, securing the pinfall victory for Team Cody.

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens feuded with Judgment Day since June 2023, yielding the Undisputed Tag Team Championship to Damian Priest and Finn Balor. Cody Rhodes brought Jey Uso to RAW, securing the tag title victory at Fastlane, and then it was reclaimed by Balor and Priest on RAW 9 days later. Owens shifted to SmackDown while Sami remained resolute against Judgment Day.

Meanwhile, Seth Rollins defended his World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor at Money in the Bank and SummerSlam. Damian Priest’s possession of Money in the Bank briefcase led to thwarted cash-in attempts, notably intervened by Sami Zayn at Crown Jewel.

The tensions reached their highest point during the November 6 episode of RAW when Priest assaulted Sami after Rollins’ match, leading to the announcement of a War Games event. Drew McIntyre’s addition to Judgment Day further escalated the conflict. With the Judgment Day team already having five members for War Games, Cody revealed that Randy Orton had joined their ranks.

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