Randy Orton’s Heel Turn, Dennis Rodman WWE HOF, Tony Khan Tried Buying WWE?! | Hot Tags 746

The Smark Out Moment Smack Talk Podcast's Hot Tags 746 dives into a whirlwind of wrestling news, starting with the New Japan Cup final between Kaito Kido and Yuta Uemura, a match that could elevate a young British star like Kano Newman. The hosts discuss the upcoming G1 Climax in Chicago, speculating on AEW talent like Hangman Page or Wheeler Yuta potentially joining the tournament. They reflect on the passing of Chuck Norris, a cultural icon whose legacy lives on through memes and pop culture, and the controversial induction of Dennis Rodman into the WWE Hall of Fame 2026 class, highlighting his WCW-era celebrity wrestling stint. The episode explores the return of American Gladiators, featuring WWE and AEW talent like Wardlow and Camille, and the potential signing of Dean Malenko’s daughter Marie Malenko to WWE. A major focus is Randy Orton’s heel turn on Raw, which reignites the Cody Rhodes feud and shifts momentum in the main event picture. The hosts also unpack the shocking report that Tony Khan attempted to buy WWE in 2023 for $6.9 billion, sparking a deep dive into what a Khan-led WWE might have looked like. Other topics include Aaron Rourke becoming the first openly gay singles champion in WWE history, the injury of Tony Storm, and the ongoing chaos around the WrestleMania card, including Gunther’s lack of a match and the potential for a surprise retirement match. The episode ends with a fantasy league update and a call for listener engagement. Key takeaways include: Randy Orton’s heel turn is a strategic move to elevate Cody Rhodes as a top babyface; Tony Khan’s failed WWE bid underscores the need for wrestling diversity; Aaron Rourke’s title win marks a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation; the injury to Tony Storm creates a major opening in AEW’s women’s division; and the potential for a Gunther vs. legend retirement match at WrestleMania could salvage an otherwise weak card. The hosts express cautious optimism about AEW’s future but warn against monopolization of the industry, advocating for more independent voices in pro wrestling.