Cody Rhodes emerged victorious against Randy Orton in the main event of WrestleMania 42 night one on April 18, 2026, retaining the Undisputed WWE Championship in a match filled with unexpected twists and dramatic moments.
Why it matters: Rhodes' win solidifies his status as a top star in WWE, extending his championship reign and denying Orton a historic 15th title. The match showcased the intense rivalry and shifting dynamics between the two wrestlers.
Rhodes defeated Orton with a Cross Rhodes after a chaotic match filled with interference and injuries.
This victory marks Rhodes' continued reign as WWE Champion, which began in January 2026 after reclaiming the title from Drew McIntyre.
Orton was seeking to break John Cena's record by winning his 15th world title but fell short in this high-stakes encounter.
Driving the news: The match opened with Pat McAfee attempting a sneak attack on Rhodes, but the champion quickly turned the tables, hitting McAfee with his finisher before the match officially began.
McAfee's interference was a key element, as he later returned wearing a referee shirt and attempted to count a pin for Orton.
Jelly Roll made a surprise appearance, splashing McAfee through the announcer's table, leading to McAfee being stretchered out.
The crowd's reaction was mixed, with loud boos directed at McAfee as he left the arena.
State of play: The match itself was an intense back-and-forth battle, highlighting both competitors' strengths and weaknesses.
Orton, visibly struggling with a back injury, was targeted by Rhodes throughout the match, who capitalized on his opponent's vulnerability.
Rhodes wiped Orton's blood across his chest after Orton was busted open from hitting a steel ring post, adding a brutal edge to the contest.
Both wrestlers exchanged signature moves, with Rhodes using Orton's own tactics against him, which drew boos from the audience.
The big picture: This match is part of a larger narrative arc involving both wrestlers, especially with Orton's recent heel turn and Rhodes' polarizing status among fans.
Orton's heel turn aimed to position him as a fierce competitor, targeting his former friend Rhodes, creating a personal rivalry.
Rhodes has faced increasing fan resistance, evidenced by a surge of dislikes on social media following his title win over McIntyre.
WWE continues to navigate the complex dynamics of Rhodes' character, which some fans perceive as too dominant in the main event scene.
What they're saying: Post-match reactions indicate a divided fan base and speculation about Rhodes' future direction.
Many fans expressed dissatisfaction with Rhodes' tactics during the match, contributing to a growing narrative that he may need a character overhaul.
Orton's aggressive post-match actions, including a brutal punt kick to Rhodes, suggest a potential escalation in their rivalry.
Commentators noted that Rhodes' continued victories, particularly in controversial manners, could fuel resentment among fans.
By the numbers: The statistics from the match reveal the competitive nature of the bout.
Rhodes improved his WrestleMania record to 4-9 and his main event record to 2-3 with this victory.
Orton's attempt at his 15th championship would have positioned him third all-time in WWE history, underscoring the stakes involved.
The match featured multiple near falls and dramatic moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
What's next: With WrestleMania 42 night two scheduled for April 19, 2026, the fallout from this match may shape future storylines.
Rhodes may take time off to film a new project, which could impact his championship reign and character development.
Orton's aggressive demeanor suggests he may not be finished with Rhodes, setting the stage for a potential rematch or continued feud.
Fans are eager to see how WWE will address the growing discontent surrounding Rhodes and whether a character shift is on the horizon.
The dramatic events of WrestleMania 42 night one showcased the athleticism and storytelling inherent in WWE and set the stage for future rivalries and character developments, particularly as Rhodes and Orton navigate their complex relationship.