The main event of WrestleMania 42 delivered high drama, shocking twists, and a brutal ending as Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a chaotic showdown that left fans stunned.
The match began under unusual circumstances, with Pat McAfee inserting himself into the storyline with a bold stipulation, if Orton failed to win the title, McAfee would leave WWE for good. Before the match could even properly begin, chaos erupted as McAfee attacked Rhodes, only to be taken out after an unexpected intervention, setting the stage for a heated one-on-one battle.
Inside the ring, the contest lived up to expectations, with both superstars exchanging brutal offense. Orton, reportedly dealing with a back issue, struggled at times, while Rhodes capitalized with calculated attacks. The match saw multiple near falls, signature moves, and even moments where each wrestler used the other’s finishing maneuvers. McAfee later returned in a referee shirt, further complicating the bout, but ultimately, Rhodes delivered his decisive Cross Rhodes to retain the championship.
However, the drama didn’t end with the bell. In a shocking post-match moment, Orton snapped and launched a vicious assault on Rhodes, even delivering his infamous punt kick to the champion’s head. Despite losing the title match, Orton left a lasting impact, reigniting his ruthless persona and leaving Rhodes laid out in the ring.
The fallout from the match was equally significant, as McAfee’s stipulation meant his apparent exit from WWE, adding another layer to an already chaotic night. With tensions far from settled and Orton’s brutal attack signaling unfinished business, this explosive encounter has set the stage for an even more intense rivalry in the weeks to come.
