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WWE 'WrestleMania 42': Cody Rhodes wins, Randy Orton snaps
TL;DR
Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. The match featured an attack by Orton's new manager, Pat McAfee, before Rhodes ultimately triumphed.
Key points
- Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Randy Orton was accompanied by manager Pat McAfee
- McAfee attacked Rhodes before the match
- Rhodes countered and put McAfee through the announcer's desk
- Paramedics removed McAfee from the arena
Mentioned in this story
Cody RhodesRandy OrtonPat McAfee
WrestleMania 42
April 19 (UPI) -- Cody Rhodes was able to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in the main event of WWE WrestleMania 42 on Saturday.
Orton was joined by his new manager, ESPN's Pat McAfee, who attacked Rhodes before the match started using a microphone.
Rhodes was able to recover and nailed the sports analyst with a Cross Rhodes before he helped country singer Jelly Roll put McAfee through the announcer's desk. Paramedics then arrived onto the scene to remove McAfee from the arena, much to the crowd's delight.
It wasn't until Rhodes and Orton were alone in the ring did the bell finally ring to officially begin the championship match.
Rhodes dominated the majority of the bout and even made Orton start to bleed from his forehead after throwing him into the ring post. Rhodes kept viciously attacking Orton, almost appearing as a villain himself.
After Rhodes and Orton performed each other's finishing moves, the American Nightmare poked Orton in the eyes, temporarily blinding him.
The Viper, while blinded, attacked the referee with an RKO out of confusion. It was then that McAfee returned wearing a neck brace and a referee shirt. Orton went for a pin and McAfee started the three count but somehow, Rhodes was able to kick out.
Orton became frustrated and attacked McAfee with an RKO. Rhodes took advantage of the distraction and nailed his former mentor with a Cross Rhodes as the real referee recovered to win the match and retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Orton, after the match, attacked Rhodes as celebrations got underway. Orton hit Rhodes with the championship belt and then performed his dreaded Punt Kick, a move that has injured many wrestlers over the years.
Also at WrestleMania 42, wrestling star Paige made a surprise return and competed in her first WWE match in eight years as she teamed up with Brie Bella to become the new Women's Tag Team Champions.
Nikki Bella introduced Paige after she arrived with her sister Brie Bella wearing a cast on her leg. Nikki Bella explained that she couldn't compete that night but that she called in an old friend to replace her.
The crowd erupted once Paige's music hit, a true highlight of . Paige and Brie Bella defeated the teams of Nia Jax and Lash Legend; Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss; and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.
Q&A
What happened in the main event of WrestleMania 42?
Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in the main event.
Who attacked Cody Rhodes before the match at WrestleMania 42?
Randy Orton's new manager, Pat McAfee, attacked Cody Rhodes using a microphone before the match began.
What was the crowd's reaction to Pat McAfee's removal from the arena?
The crowd delightedly reacted as paramedics removed Pat McAfee from the arena after he was put through the announcer's desk.
