 Runnels’s last televised match in OVW ended in a no contest as him and Shawn Spears fought in the Steel Cage.On the July 2, 2007 episode of "Raw," Runnels made his television debut, using his family's wrestling last name, Rhodes, in a backstage segment with his father Dusty Rhodes and Randy Orton, where Orton introduced himself to Rhodes and then slapped Dusty as a sign of disrespect.On July 9, Rhodes slapped Orton in return, and the following week, Rhodes was defeated by Orton in his debut WWE match.