Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42. The match featured intense moments, including Orton bleeding and a surprising finish with Rhodes retaining the title.
Key points
Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship
Randy Orton bled from his forehead during the match
Pat McAfee interfered in the match
Audience favored Randy Orton over Cody Rhodes
The match ended with a Cross Rhodes from Rhodes
Mentioned in this story
WWE
Cody RhodesRandy OrtonWrestleMania 42
LAS VEGAS — The time has come for the biggest event in wrestling.
WWEWrestleMania 42 has arrived, with the wrestling extravaganza starting with night one on Saturday, April 18. Seven matches are scheduled, highlighted by Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton facing off for the Undisputed WWE Championship – with an appearance from Pat McAfee likely coming.
Three other titles will be on the line, and they all come from the women’s division, giving it a chance to once again deliver an amazing product with stars like Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan battling, as well as AJ Lee and Becky Lynch.
Follow USA TODAY Sports for all of the action from night one of WrestleMania 42:
Watch: WrestleMania 42 postshow
Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
Now, with McAfee gone, the two stars could settle the fight on their own. The bell rang and there wasn't a feeling out process, with Rhodes and Orton getting after it. The champion looked a step quicker than the challenger, with Orton looking like his lower back was bothering him. Rhodes targeted the area and Orton was just getting thrown around pretty easily.
A shift happened when Rhodes tried taking the action to the top rope, with Orton countering a suplex off of it. It allowed him to get into his arsenal, showing some vintage Orton in the process. While all was going good, Orton got shoved into the stanchion and he was bleeding from his forehead.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big\business\) April 19, 2026
The bloodied Orton was clearly struggling, appearing defenseless while Rhodes marked himself with his opponent's wound and used his own vintage Orton move. Rhodes readied for the RKO, just for Orton to come alive and execute his own Cross Rhodes. Orton wasn't able to get his own RKO in, but Rhodes did it. Readying for a Cross Rhodes, Orton surprised the champion with his first RKO, which didn't land a win.
If anyone knows each other's moves, it's them 🤌 |
Q&A
What were the results of WrestleMania 42?
Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
How did Cody Rhodes win against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42?
Rhodes won by executing his finisher, the Cross Rhodes, after a chaotic match that included interference from Pat McAfee.
What happened to Randy Orton during the match at WrestleMania 42?
Randy Orton was bleeding from his forehead and appeared to struggle with his lower back during the match against Cody Rhodes.
What was the audience's reaction to Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton's match?
The audience showed a clear preference for Randy Orton, booing whenever Cody Rhodes gained the advantage during the match.
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Both stars got back on their feet and traded shots, but suddenly, Orton hit the referee with an RKO. It confused Rhodes, and when he turned around, he stopped a cheap shot from Orton and did his own. He went for a Cody Cutter and was met with a Cross Rhodes.
With the referee down, Orton called for another referee, and it turned out to be McAfee, sporting a neck brace. However, he wasn't able to get the successful pin. Orton got up and gave McAfee an RKO to officially end the alliance.
Right there, though, was Rhodes. He grabbed Orton and landed the Cross Rhodes, and the referee got back up to count the successful pin. Rhodes retains.
CODY RETAINS!!! 🤩@CodyRhodes found the killer instinct! pic.twitter.com/pezLMlUMsf
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
The action doesn't end there. Orton gets up and hits Rhodes with the title, and then delivers a punt to Rhodes. He stands over his body, holding the championship, as the show ends.
**Analysis:** What had the potential of being a well-told main event ends up a confusing and frustrating one.
It was fun getting the McAfee spot at the beginning, even if you knew he would be coming back into the match later. That allowed Rhodes and Orton to have an actual match, but it was just an awkward one from the jump. There wasn't a real flow, and while it could have been a work, it seemed like Orton was really struggling to move around. It made it difficult for Rhodes to continue the attack, leading to several slow moments where there wasn't really much happening. When Orton did get a flow going, the match got much better, but it didn't happen until the later stages.
There was a clear favorite from the audience in wanting Orton to win and booing whenever Rhodes had the advantage. The ending sequence moved in the right direction, and McAfee returned just to get an RKO, much to the joy of everyone. Rhodes won, but the ending of Orton attacking the winner was the right move, but it felt like it was too late to do that. That could have been done before WrestleMania, but regardless, it shows Orton's sinister side is still here and he isn't done with Rhodes.
A really odd end to night one.
Cody Rhodes gives Pat McAfee Cross Rhodes, Jelly Roll helps
Before the action can begin, McAfee and Orton try a sneak attack on Rhodes. However, the champion doesn't miss. He throws Orton out and hits his finisher on McAfee.
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
He takes him out of the ring and throws him on the announcer's table, where Jelly Roll comes out and delivers a frog splash to help Rhodes out. McAfee gets stretchered out.
Cody Rhodes looks back on career in entrance
Rhodes looks back on all the eras of his WWE career, from the debut all the way to Stardust. He then emerges in an all-gold jacket and mask when the music hits, and the entire stadium takes part in the "Woah."
THIS MIGHT BE ONE OF THE GREATEST CODY RHODES ENTRANCES EVER.
The "EST" is back on WWE, but it isn't to wrestle. She reveals that she is pregnant, receiving applause from the crowd as she happily cries alongside John Cena.
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
With Belair's baby in the stadium, Cena decides the attendance for night one is 50,817.
John Cena announces night one attendance
The announced crowd for WrestleMania 42 night one is 50,816. Last year's attendance for night one was 58,538.
Women's World Championship match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
With how personal this feud got, it only made sense for each star to attack each other. They immediately go at it, with Vaquer getting the first big blows before Morgan has her own moment, which includes the Three Amigos in a nod to Dominik Mysterio. Once Vaquer regains composure, she gives Morgan the Devil's Kiss, with the crowd counting to 10 and capping it with Booker T's "oh yeah."
Vaquer has all the momentum going her way, and that's when The Judgment Day members Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez come to the rescue and distract the referee. The trick works, but it only ends with Vaquer landing hits to them and flying out of the ring to take them down.
While she was focused on the two, Morgan sneaks up and throws Vaquer into the steel steps. She then throws Vaquer back in the ring and lands ObLIVion. It's enough, and she gets the count on Vaquer to become the new Women's World Champion.
LIV MORGAN IS THE NEW WOMEN'S WORLD CHAMPION!!! @YaOnlyLivvOnce
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
**Analysis:** For a feud that was pretty strong, the WrestleMania match doesn't quite live up to it, but it's still a strong outing. There were some good moments at the start, and they got to have their chance to poke fun at each other. It was obvious The Judgment Day was going to play a role, it was just a matter of if it would play a critical role in the match. They influenced it, but definitely didn't overtake the ending, allowing Morgan to clearly execute what she needed in order to win.
Morgan now is back in the center of the women's division, and The Judgment Day is doing just fine with more gold added to the group.
Stephanie Vaquer's epic entrance
The Women's World Champion is embracing the culture with a stunning gown on her way to the ring.
After dropping her song "Trouble," Morgan's entrance features an impressive performance of it, highlighted by her backup dancers ripping off her costume to reveal her wrestling attire.
It goes off the rails before the bell can ring, with Gunther delivering a powerbomb to try and state his dominance over Rollins. He returns the favor with hits outside of the ring, and throws some chairs at him in the process for a wild opening.
Eventually, they get in the ring so the match can go on, and they each try to end it early. Gunther's sleeper hold and Rollins' stomp are attempted but unsuccessful, leading to more hard-hitting sequences and intense face-offs. Rollins even shows he has some tricks up his sleeve, cleverly getting out of some moves Gunther has used to end some wrestlers, including the excruciating chops.
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
Rollins tries to take Gunther with a pedigree and stomp combination, but it doesn't work, kicking out in stunning fashion. Seemingly unsure how to get it done, Rollins tries a flying stomp, but it results in him getting put in the sleeper hold. Rollins gets to his feet to break out of it, and he meets his opponent on the top turnbuckle for a major German suplex. He then executes his own sleeper hold on Gunther, who's able to get his feet on the ropes to break it up.
Recharged, Rollins does three straight dives out of the ring, but Gunther catches him on the final one for two straight power bombs. He tries to throw him on the announcer's table, just for Rollins to turn it into a pedigree. He clears the other commentary desk and lands the super stomp.
Just as he gloats, Bron Breakker returns to WWE for a powerful running spear.
BRON BREAKKER IS BACK!!!! @bronbreakkerwwe
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
Breakker throws him back in the ring, setting Gunther up for the sleeper. Rollins tries to break it free but he passes out, giving the victory to Gunther.
Breakker wasn't done either, running completely down the ramp to deliver another crushing spear to his rival.
OH MY SPEAR!!! 💔 @bronbreakkerwwe
— WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026
**Analysis:** This one had main event potential, and the two stars showed why with a classic outing that delivered the entire way. Before we get to the interference, it was wrestling brilliance watching these two in the ring. Gunther always puts on a great outing, and Rollins matched the artistry. They went deep in their bag to put on some real top-tier moves, and it already is a contender for the best match of the weekend. The build to this one may have been confusing, but it was validated with this match.
Now, we get to the return. Breakker is back from injury and now this story starts to make more sense. Rollins was alone in trying to figure out his revenge, but it now is filled with Breakker back. He did it in the best way possible, and now this story can flourish with a feud that sets up a few matches down the road.
Women's Intercontinental Championship match: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Off the bat, it's the champion again playing mind games with Lynch. However, "The Man" doesn't let it get to her this time, and she is able to get on the attack, relentlessly hitting Lee. She even tries to expose the turnbuckle, but referee Jessika Carr doesn't let it happen, obviously frustrating the challenger.
There are windows for Lee to break through, but Lynch stays alert and counters so many moves to lay more punishment. During this, Lynch continues to berate Carr. She clearly has enough, and Carr pushes Lynch out of her way as they get in a heated spat. Lynch looks like she tries to hit the official, but Carr ducks and runs into Lee doing her own Manhandle Slam. The pin attempt from Lee is unsuccessful.
When they get back on their feet, Lee gets in the Black Widow, and Lynch gets out of it. She then exposes the turnbuckle and Carr doesn't see it. When Lee tries a running hit, Carr gets pushed into it. Lee is caught off guard, and Lynch capitalizes with a Manhandle Slam to pin Lee, end her reign of terror over Lynch and becomes the Women's Intercontinental Champion once again.
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
**Analysis:** What a way to tell a story with the match from the veterans, able to peel multiple layers in this bout to make it entertaining from start to finish. There's history with Lynch and Carr, and what a great way to incorporate it into the rivalry between the competitors. It flowed in smoothly, wasn't forced and kept the intensity going. A match without any lulls is always a plus.
After tapping out to Lee three times, it was a matter of time for Lynch to finally overcome the obstacle. It was going to take some creativity to do it, and that's exactly what played out. Lynch has the win, but it doesn't feel like she's done with Lee just yet. Expect there to be another meeting between the two before Lee likely targets the top women's titles, and Lynch can continue doing great work now as the three-time Women's Intercontinental Champion.
AJ Lee makes WrestleMania return
It's the first WrestleMania match for Lee in more than 10 years, and she gets a group of girls to join her on the stage do to her signature skip.
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship fatal four-way match: Nia Jax and Lash Legend (c) vs. Brie Bella and Paige vs. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair vs. Lyra Valkyria and Bayley
With one person from each team in the ring, the match starts in a bit of a frenzy but it's Bella that gets the first real shots, doing the kicks made famous by her husband. She tries to tag in Paige, but can't get it in as there's plenty of offense coming from everyone else. After Legend showcased her power, Bella flies from the top of the ring.
After the crowd pleaded for it, they finally got Paige in the ring. She immediately went on a roll, knocking down everyone that stood in her path. It's Valkyria that is able to stop her momentum, but eventually, all the challenging teams do their part to take out the champions. Then comes the showdown of Paige and Flair, meeting once again.
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
They exchange hits and near-falls, and just when Flair and Bliss are about to get the win, Nikki Bella interferes. It distracts Bliss, and when she tries Twisted Bliss on Paige, she gets her knees up. She then executes the finish and pins Bliss to get the title in her return, and she's emotional immediately, realizing she's back where she started.
PAIGE AND BRIE BELLA WIN THE WOMEN'S TAG TEAM TITLES!!! @Saraya | @NikkiAndBrie
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
**Analysis:** The match was decided the moment Nikki Bella came out in crutches.
When it was evident she couldn't compete, it cemented the reported return of Paige, and there wasn't any doubt she would win her return. She definitely is the focal point of the match, and she looked fantastic being back in a WWE ring. The chants of "you still got it" definitely held up.
There wasn't many major spots in the match, but it had the perfect ending with Paige getting the victory, and the emotional reaction she had was pure, knowing this didn't seem possible when she retired in her first run. How this story progresses will be one to watch, mainly when Nikki Bella gets healthy. But for now, it's great to see Paige home.
Paige returns, takes Nikki Bella's place
Paige is back.
The veteran wrestler makes her return to WWE, taking the place of injured Nikki Bella to partner with Brie Bella. Nikki said she called in an old friend, as Paige's vintage music plays and the crowd erupts seeing her for her first match in nearly 10 years.
Leave it to Fatu to waste no time, attacking McIntyre before he even has a chance to get in the ring. He takes to the air to surprise him, and throws him around while he brings the weapons out for the match. McIntyre eventually catches his breath, and again has another fun moment by taking a video on his phone − and using it as a weapon.
— Drew (@DMcIntyreWWE) April 18, 2026
The action eventually gets back into the ring and it goes back-and-forth as each star tries to be the one to get some real weapons in play. That ends up being McIntyre, who uses a wrench to drive into the mouth of Fatu, followed by a German suplex onto chairs. After McIntyre tried to use the referee's belt, Fatu gets back up and unleashes some pain with a chair and belt.
Fatu is the one to bring the table into the mix, but he is the one that ends up taking the fall on one. McIntyre tries to set up the Claymore, but it fails. McIntyre ends up on the table, and Fatu leaps to send him through the table and get the pin for the victory.
.@jacobfatu\_wwe claims VICTORY at #WresleMania after an impressive performance!!
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
**Analysis:** Whenever there’s a “no rules” match that isn’t the main event, it’s always curious how far the match will go in terms of brutality. There wasn’t an extreme amount in this one, and a regular match could have sufficed, but that didn’t stop it from being entertaining
Fatu and McIntyre both know how to push boundaries, so it was perfect for them to not be restricted. There was just enough extreme in it to make it unsanctioned and enough wrestling to not make it out of ordinary. There were solid spots, the annual social media fun from McIntyre and emotes of Fatu.
The ending was the correct one for the moment, and Fatu can now move forward toward going for some titles.
Jacob Fatu has fire entrance
The "Samoan Werewolf" does it for the culture with his fire-spinning entrance.
There are some top tier talent in the stands, including George Kittle, Jahmyr Gibbs and Tyrese Haliburton. Kittle downs two beers as the crowd cheers him on. Also, Stephen A. Smith is shown, and he embraces the boos.
IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory vs. LA Knight, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso
The Usos make an early statement with a superkick to The Vision, forcing IShowSpeed to go up against LA Knight. He displays some quickness and even gets a slam in on Knight, but it doesn't do much, resulting in him tagging in Paul.
The Usos maintain some offense, but Theory gets in a quick tag that helps turn the tide. He and Paul do most of the damage during the sequence, which doesn't last very long once Jimmy Uso is able to tag in his brother. A flurry of shots results in IShowSpeed accidentally hitting Paul, much to the frustration of Theory.
He scolds the streamer and orders him to take a hit at Knight, but he hesitates. He decides to do it, but Knight pushes Theory into IShowSpeed, knocking them both. He then hits the BFT on Theory and gets the pin for the win.
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
It doesn't end there. Paul is mad with IShowSpeed and attacks him, readying him on the announcer's table. That's when the winning team decide to step in and help out. They take down Paul and encourage IShowSpeed to fly as Paul lays on the table. He's clearly nervous, but he does it with a stunning leap off the ring onto Paul.
ISHOWSPLASH!!!! 🔝@ishowspeedsuipic.twitter.com/Wjh04T1PGJ
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
IShowSpeed gets helped up and as the Usos and Knight celebrate with him, hitting the Yeet and Usos run it back.
**Analysis:** A fun way to start the night, the tag team match is a rather quick one. IShowSpeed gets the chance to show some moves, but it's obvious he doesn't match up as strong to his opponents. It was a back-and-forth battle for most of the fight, but a loss was clearly going to turn The Vision on IShowSpeed. A surprise result since it made sense WWE would give the win to the celebrity, but it instead goes with the smart pick.
The real action came afterward. Even though he didn't win, IShowSpeed got the chance to have his moment with a huge splash on Paul. You could argue after the match was more entertaining the the match itself, and it makes for a good ending for the celebrity.
John Cena kicks off WrestleMania 42
He ended the last WrestleMania. Now he starts the next one.
Cena returns to WWE for the first time since he retired, serving as the host of the show. His music hits the Allegiant Stadium speakers and the crowd roars seeing his iconic entrance again.
— WWE (@WWE) April 18, 2026
"This is the moment I love the most," Cena said. "We are all here for the same reason: the time to talk is up, the time to deliver is now."
Cena welcomes the crowd to WrestleMania 42.
Who sang 'God Bless America'?
The Las Vegas Mass Choir sings 'God Bless America' to start WrestleMania 42.
WrestleMania 42 stage
One thing that always makes WrestleMania feel like a big-time event is the stage, and while not as impressive as WrestleMania 41, this year’s set up does still meet the moment.
The WrestleMania 42 stage takes inspiration from the night one theme, which features a post-apocalyptic branding. It has two stands set up to the side of where the stars will emerge from. One new addition is the massive screen behind the stage.
Whether you like it or not, he's here.
The sports media giant has returned to wrestling, but not everyone is thrilled about it as McAfee has come to the aid of Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship match. It has frustrated fans, who have felt his insertion into what was already a great story between Orton and Rhodes was ruined.
McAfee has played the heel role during this, feeding into the distaste, and he likely plays a role during the match that will close out night one.
WrestleMania 42 needs to be a success
Remember the immaculate vibes that came with WrestleMania 39? Just play “Less Than Zero” if you need a nostalgia hit.
What about the build to get Cody Rhodes his title shot at WrestleMania 40, The Rock’s “Final Boss” and the cinematic masterpiece in the main event — hailed as the greatest five minutes in WWE history? Or the hype of seeing John Cena become a heel and chase his record 17th WWE title?
Great times — and they all feel so distant from this point.
WWE's biggest event of the year has arrived with WrestleMania 42, but with all the typical glitz and glamour there, it’s missing the massive excitement from the fan base. It’s been a frustrating, confusing and exhausting road to get at the show of shows, and it’s nearing a breaking point.
Simply put, WWE needs to crush WrestleMania 42 and make it a massive success — or else it can start crumbling down.
