Following SummerSlam, Drew McIntyre attacked Cody Rhodes, sparking a feud with Orton, who stepped in to defend his former protégé. Their rivalry culminated on the September 12 edition of SmackDown, where Orton fell short against The Scottish Warrior.
That defeat left The Viper in need of a reset. Turning heel and joining The Vision would immediately restore his aura of menace, positioning him as a top threat once again and erasing the sting of his recent loss.