Blood obscured Orton’s eyes, and he struck referee Charles Robinson with an RKO. Orton attempted to capitalize with a low blow, but Rhodes stopped him mid-strike, and returned the favor. Orton sunk to Rhodes’ feet, but when Rhodes attempted a Cody Cutter, Orton responded with an RKO to bust Rhodes open. To Las Vegas’ shock, McAfee, in a neck brace and referee shirt, ran to make the count, but when Rhodes kicked out at two, Orton backstabbed his accomplice with another RKO. The betrayal opened the door for Rhodes to land a Cross-Rhodes, and with a three-count, the battle was done.

The war, it seems, is far from over. As Rhodes wearily celebrated, Orton snatched the title from Rhodes, and struck his bloody friend. Allegiant Stadium watched in shocked silence as Orton geared up in the corner, and landed a Punt Kick to turn Rhodes’ bleach blonde into eye-catching shades of pink and red. The champion laid broken, and the challenger walked off.

With this defense, Rhodes is set to continue his third Undisputed WWE Championship run, clocking in at 44 days and counting. Rhodes dethroned Drew McIntyre for the title on the March 6 episode of “WWE SmackDown,” with help from fellow WrestleMania victor Jacob Fatu.