Cody Rhodes suffered a merciless attack at the hands of Randy Orton last week on SmackDown. He got betrayed by his very good friend and mentor, leading to the barbaric assault. It was a shocking moment that left the WWE Universe stunned. The brutal assault sparked a frenzy on social media, making it the most talked-about topic among fans all week

Fans were expecting Rhodes to show up this week on SmackDown and address the shocking events that unfolded. However, he was nowhere on the show last night and Randy Orton alone carried this feud forward. The American Nightmare’s absence appears to be a strategic move to enhance his storyline with Orton with WrestleMania on the horizon.

Let’s take a look at three possible reasons Cody Rhodes missed SmackDown this week:

#3. To focus the spotlight on Randy Orton’s explanation

Heading into this week’s SmackDown, Randy Orton was the biggest highlight. The episode centered on what he has to say about his shocking betrayal. Therefore, putting Cody Rhodes into the show could have scattered the spotlight. The company seemingly wanted to keep the entire attention on The Viper and explore his character evolution in depth.

Rhodes’ absence allowed Orton to dominate the narrative and solidify his new ruthless persona. This appears to be a potential reason behind The American Nightmare’s absence from the show last night. WrestleMania is still four weeks away and WWE has adequate time to let Cody speak. Hence, this week’s episode of SmackDown focused entirely on Randy Orton.

#2. To sell the barbaric assault on Cody Rhodes

Randy Orton unleashed a barbaric attack on Cody Rhodes last week, which included a low blow, steel steps shots to the head and a final chair shot to Cody’s head while it was wedged against the steps. The nature of the attack was so severe that it left the 40-year-old draped in blood, bruises and cuts. He had to be escorted backstage with the help of WWE officials.

Rhodes showing up this week on SmackDown wouldn’t have made any sense, given the amount of beating he took from Orton. Therefore, WWE may have kept him away to sell the brutal attack from last week. The American Nightmare’s absence from the show was seemingly a strategic move to add more intensity to this vicious attack and showcase its severity.

#1. To let The Viper prey upon another victim

One of the other reasons behind Cody Rhodes’ absence from SmackDown could be to let Randy Orton make another victim. The Apex Predator recently turned heel and he needed a significant moment to solidify his new ruthless persona. If Rhodes was on the show, WWE could have done limited things like a promo segment or another attack on him.

However, Cody’s absence allowed Orton to thrive on his own and put everyone on notice. The Viper destroyed Matt Cardona this week on SmackDown by unleashing a brutal attack on the latter. This was very much for Randy Orton to showcase his dark side and glimpse of how ruthless he could be on his way to winning the 15th World Title at WrestleMania 42.