Kevin Owens Rescues Carmelo Hayes from Randy Orton’s Punt Kick: SmackDown’s Explosive Showdown in Barcelona

SmackDown’s March 14, 2025, episode delivered an unforgettable moment when Kevin Owens shocked the WWE Universe by saving Carmelo Hayes from a devastating Punt Kick by Randy Orton. The electric crowd in Barcelona, Spain, witnessed one of the most intense confrontations in recent WWE history, as the returning Legend Killer showed his brutal side, only to be stopped by a defiant and vengeful Owens.

This night wasn’t just about one match—it was about a statement, a collision of styles, and a brewing rivalry that could shake the WWE landscape.

Carmelo Hayes’ Struggle for Survival Against The Apex Predator

From the moment the bell rang, Carmelo Hayes knew he was up against one of WWE’s most dangerous veterans. Randy Orton, known for his calculated, methodical approach, had already begun dismantling the younger superstar. Hayes, an agile and technically sound wrestler, tried to maneuver his way into a stronger position, but Orton was one step ahead.

The commentary team hinted at a potential neck injury Hayes might have suffered early in the match. This injury, whether minor or major, was clearly a factor in his inability to mount a sustained offensive against Orton. The Barcelona crowd, while split in their support, acknowledged Orton’s dominance with roaring cheers each time he executed his signature offense.

For Hayes, this was a trial by fire—a chance to prove himself against a seasoned legend. But with each passing second, it became evident that he was in survival mode rather than on the offensive.

The Return of The Legend Killer: Randy Orton’s Ruthless Domination

Randy Orton’s aura was undeniable. He entered the match with a presence that sent shivers down the spine of both his opponent and the audience. For years, Orton had been a force of nature, a calculated hunter in the ring. His “Legend Killer” persona may have been subdued in recent years, but in Barcelona, it was on full display.

The audience fed off his energy. Chants of “RKO! RKO!” filled the stadium, with even some of Barcelona’s football stars in attendance joining in on the excitement. The commentators took the opportunity to remind the audience of Orton’s legendary lineage, tracing back to his father, Cowboy Bob Orton.

Orton’s ability to dissect his opponents and exploit their weaknesses was in full effect. Hayes, for all his talent, found himself caught in a relentless cycle of punishment. Any time he attempted to counter, Orton effortlessly shut him down.

Hayes’ Desperate Counterattack and Orton’s Instant Response

At the 48-second mark, Carmelo Hayes saw an opening. He tried to execute his signature move, the “First 48”, but Orton, showcasing his veteran instincts, countered effortlessly, tossing Hayes back to the mat with a spine-jarring slam.

At the 62-second mark, Hayes made another desperate attempt to shift the momentum, launching himself toward Orton, but the Viper sidestepped with precision, sending Hayes crashing into the ropes. The speed and technical mastery of Orton were simply too much for the young star to overcome.

Then, in the blink of an eye, at the 97-second mark, the moment everyone was waiting for arrived.

“RKO Out of Nowhere!” – The Sudden and Inevitable End

Orton has built his career on one of the most devastating finishing moves in WWE history—the RKO. It has ended matches in an instant, often materializing out of thin air.

That’s exactly what happened.

As Hayes struggled to regain his footing, Orton lurked in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment. The audience, sensing what was coming, rose to their feet in anticipation.

In an explosive moment at the 127-second mark, Hayes turned around—and walked straight into a perfectly executed RKO.

The impact sent shockwaves through the arena. The crowd erupted as Orton covered Hayes for the pinfall victory.

1… 2… 3…

The match was over.

Barcelona’s Sporting Elite Reacts to the Spectacle

WWE’s reach is global, and its events attract some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. This night in Barcelona was no different.

Among the celebrities in attendance was Lamine Yamal, the prodigious young talent from FC Barcelona. Cameras captured his reaction to Orton’s victory, showing him visibly in awe of the spectacle.

The commentators jokingly speculated that Yamal might have enjoyed this moment even more than a win against Real Madrid. Whether true or not, his presence underscored the universal appeal of WWE.

Orton’s Darker Side Emerges: The Threat of the Punt Kick

Randy Orton had won. He could have walked away, basking in the cheers and adulation of the crowd.

But he didn’t.

Instead, something changed. His expression darkened, and his posture stiffened. The audience recognized the shift immediately. The commentary team grew tense, sensing what was coming.

Orton was about to revisit one of the most dangerous moves in WWE history—the Punt Kick.

This wasn’t just another attack. The Punt Kick has ended careers. It has left superstars sidelined for months. It is one of the most brutal moves in professional wrestling, and Orton, in a flash of cruelty, decided that Carmelo Hayes would be his next victim.

The crowd gasped as Orton lined up the shot, measuring his opponent. Hayes, still dazed from the RKO, was helpless.

That’s when Kevin Owens appeared.

Kevin Owens’ Stunning Return and Explosive Confrontation

The moment Orton was about to strike, Kevin Owens stormed the ring and yanked Hayes out of harm’s way.

The crowd exploded.

This was the first time the WWE Universe had seen Owens since his brutal match at Elimination Chamber. His return was not just unexpected—it was a statement.

Owens didn’t hesitate. As Orton turned to face him, the Prizefighter charged, slamming Orton into the steel ring post. The two exchanged blows in an intense post-match brawl, setting the stage for a fiery rivalry.

Owens wasn’t just saving Hayes—he was sending a message.

The Aftermath: A Rivalry Reignited

The show ended with a glaring standoff between Owens and Orton.

The WWE Universe knew what this meant:

Kevin Owens wasn’t about to let Randy Orton run rampant.
Orton, having been denied his vicious assault, was seething with anger.
A massive confrontation between these two titans was inevitable.

What had started as a match between Randy Orton and Carmelo Hayes transformed into something bigger. Owens’ return changed the landscape, and with WrestleMania on the horizon, this was far from over.