Cody Rhodes recalls the advice from Randy Orton that he still follows to this day.
During an interview with Casino Guru, the Undisputed WWE Champion was asked about the best piece of advice he’s received from his former mentor.
“Probably the best advice, which is a common expression in our business, but really has kind of stood the test of time with Randy is ‘Don’t ask for permission, ask for forgiveness,’” Rhodes said. “When you know how to tell a story, and when you know how to grab that mic and connect with the audience, that’s something that’s really been honest and true with me as I’ve grown at WWE and continue to grow.
Rhodes added that while some of Orton’s advice isn’t suitable for an interview, his mentor’s influence remains constant.
“There’s a lot of advice I definitely could not include in an interview, but I can certainly say his voice is in my head a great many nights when I’m out there,” Rhodes continued. “Because so much of what he said would happen, or could happen, in certain scenarios as a pro wrestler on any given night, have happened for me. And I had a very good teacher.”
Randy Orton earned a shot at the Undisputed WWE Championship by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber. The Viper then turned on Cody Rhodes on the March 16 episode of SmackDown.
Two weeks later, Pat McAfee resurfaced and aligned himself with Orton against Rhodes. However, McAfee’s involvement has drawn criticism from WWE Superstars and fans alike.
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk took aim at the popular streamer during a shoot-style promo on RAW this past Monday. Ahead of SmackDown, McAfee has also teased a surprise related to his ongoing storyline with Rhodes.
WrestleZone will have live coverage of WWE SmackDown later tonight.
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