WWE WrestleMania 42 Results: Cody Rhodes retains; Randy Orton turns on Pat McAfee
(Courtesy : WWE)
Two former friends turned rivals!
Cody Rhodes survived absolute chaos to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a WrestleMania 42 main event that blurred the lines between respect and ruthlessness. What began as a technical showdown quickly escalated into a violent, unpredictable war.
The early exchanges were grounded in fundamentals, with collar-and-elbow tie-ups and headlock counters setting the tone. Orton asserted control with shoulder blocks and a snap scoop powerslam, but even in those opening moments, something appeared off as “The Viper” repeatedly clutched his back.
Cody Rhodes quickly identified the weakness and went to work. Targeting Orton’s spine with precision, he applied a half-crab, bear hug, and repeated strikes to the kidneys, methodically breaking down the challenger while drawing a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Cody Rhodes targets Randy Orton’s back
The champion’s strategy became increasingly aggressive. Rhodes sent Orton hard into the turnbuckles and continued to isolate the injured back, even fishhooking him and driving him into the corners. Orton’s pain was evident, but his resilience kept him in the fight.
A risky superplex from the top rope backfired on Orton, worsening the damage, yet he still managed to rally. He delivered a hanging DDT and countered Rhodes’ offense at ringside, including a brutal back suplex attempt near the announce desk that shifted momentum.
As the match intensified, Orton was left bleeding from the forehead. Rhodes capitalized in controversial fashion, striking the wound and even wiping the blood across his chest. The crowd turned on him, prompting Rhodes to glare back as if asking, “what am I doing wrong here?”
Chaos erupts with RKOs, interference, and controversy
The closing stretch descended into complete disorder. Rhodes hit a “Beautiful Disaster,” but it wasn’t enough. Both men began trading signature moves, with Orton landing an RKO and Rhodes shockingly responding with one of his own for a near fall.
Momentum swung wildly as Orton connected with another RKO, only for Rhodes to kick out. The desperation was palpable, and it spilled over when Orton accidentally dropped referee Charles Robinson with an RKO during the chaos.
With no official to count, Pat McAfee rushed to the ring wearing a referee shirt and neck brace. He counted a near fall after another RKO, but Rhodes kicked out, drawing loud chants of “Pat you suck!” from the crowd.
The situation spiraled further as Robinson recovered, only for Orton to hit McAfee with an RKO as well. In the final sequence, Rhodes capitalized on the confusion, connecting with Cross Rhodes while the official was back in position.
Robinson made the count, and Rhodes secured the pinfall victory to retain his championship. In a match filled with brutality, controversy, and unforgettable moments, “The American Nightmare” once again proved why he stands atop WWE.
Winner: Cody Rhodes
Randy Orton punts Cody Rhodes after the match
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