Randy Orton's Return Ends in Chaos on WWE SmackDown

Orton's heel turn leads to a violent attack on Matt Cardona, while the women's tag title match ends in controversy

Mar. 21, 2026 at 4:09am

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WWE SmackDown featured a mixed bag of storylines, with Randy Orton's heel turn taking center stage. Orton delivered a powerful promo explaining his actions, then proceeded to violently attack Matt Cardona despite Cardona's attempts to reason with him. Elsewhere, the women's tag team title match between the Irresistible Forces and the Bella Twins ended in a no-contest after Charlotte Flair inexplicably interfered. The show also saw a chaotic brawl between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu, as well as a solid singles match between Sami Zayn and Aleister Black.

Why it matters

Orton's heel turn has been a major storyline on SmackDown, as the former champion looks to cement his legacy by any means necessary. His attack on Cardona continues to showcase his ruthless and unpredictable nature as a villain. The women's tag title match ending in controversy raises questions about the direction of the division, while the McIntyre-Fatu feud appears headed for a big WrestleMania showdown.

The details

In the main focus of the night, Randy Orton took to the ring to explain his recent heel turn, cutting a promo that received cheers from the crowd despite his villainous actions. He then encountered Matt Cardona backstage, where he assaulted Cardona after a brief interaction. Later, Orton apologized to Cardona, only to low-blow him and deliver an RKO, before further attacking Cardona with a chair as officials watched on helplessly. In the women's tag team title match, the Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) defended their titles against the Bella Twins. The match ended in a no-contest when Charlotte Flair, who was not even involved in the match, prevented Jax from hitting Brie Bella with the title belt. Elsewhere on the show, Sami Zayn faced off against Aleister Black in a singles match, while the chaotic feud between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu continued with another brawl that spilled out of the arena.

  • On March 20, 2026, Randy Orton returned to WWE SmackDown and cut a promo explaining his recent heel turn.
  • Later that night, Orton attacked Matt Cardona backstage and then again in the ring, despite Cardona's attempts to reason with him.
  • The women's tag team title match between the Irresistible Forces and the Bella Twins ended in a no-contest on the March 20, 2026 episode of SmackDown.

The players

Randy Orton

A 14-time world champion in WWE, known for his ruthless and unpredictable heel persona.

Matt Cardona

A former WWE Superstar who attempted to reason with Orton but was viciously attacked.

The Irresistible Forces

The reigning WWE Women's Tag Team Champions, consisting of Nia Jax and Lash Legend.

The Bella Twins

A legendary tag team in WWE, consisting of real-life sisters Nikki and Brie Bella.

Charlotte Flair

A multi-time women's champion who inexplicably interfered in the tag title match.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.