On the March 14, 2025, edition of Friday Night SmackDown, tensions escalated in a dramatic confrontation when Randy Orton nearly delivered his infamous Punt Kick to rising star Carmelo Hayes, only to be stopped by a last-minute intervention from Kevin Owens.
The Setup
Earlier in the night, Carmelo Hayes had a heated backstage exchange with Orton, where the self-proclaimed “Him” disrespected The Viper, calling him “washed” and saying, “This ain’t 2009, Randy. It’s my time now.” Orton, never one to take disrespect lightly, responded with his signature icy stare and a chilling warning:
“You have no idea what you just started.”
Later, a match between Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes was booked, with Owens keeping a close watch due to his ongoing issues with Orton.
The Match – Experience vs. Athleticism
Carmelo Hayes showcased his elite athleticism, using quick counters and aerial maneuvers to stay a step ahead of The Viper. He nearly stole the victory with a springboard cutter, but Orton kicked out at two. However, Randy’s patience wore thin, and he slowed the pace, dismantling Hayes with a vicious backbreaker, a powerslam, and a devastating rope-hung DDT.
As the crowd chanted for both men, Orton entered his legendary “Viper Mode”, slamming his fists against the mat, preparing for the RKO. But Hayes countered at the last second, rolling Orton into a tight small package for a shocking near fall!
Realizing Hayes was still in the fight, Orton snapped. He nailed him with an RKO out of nowhere but didn’t go for the pin. Instead, a dangerous smirk crossed his face as he slithered to the corner, setting up for the sadistic Punt Kick—a move that had once ended careers.
Kevin Owens Makes the Save!
Just as Orton charged forward, Kevin Owens’ music hit, and the arena erupted! Owens sprinted to the ring and tackled Orton to the mat, throwing wild punches in an all-out brawl. The two former rivals exchanged fists, and KO eventually clotheslined Orton over the top rope, sending him crashing to the floor.
Owens stood protectively over Hayes, shouting, “Not like this, Randy! You want to be that guy again? Then you go through me!”
Orton, seething with anger, glared at Owens from the ramp, clearly sending a message: this wasn’t over. As Owens helped a dazed Carmelo Hayes to his feet, it became clear that the war between KO and The Viper was just getting started.
The Fallout
With WrestleMania around the corner, Orton vs. Owens seemed inevitable, but where did Carmelo Hayes fit into this rivalry? Would he align with KO, or was this just a one-time save? Either way, the WWE Universe knew that this SmackDown moment was just the beginning of something bigger.
