Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton for the WWE title took place at WWE WrestleMania 42 Saturday. Here are the highlights\u2026<\/p>\n
Pat McAfee had his own entrance prior to Orton\u2019s. For Cody\u2019s entrance, his various attires from over the years were on display in cases. McAfee did the ring introduction for Orton.<\/p>\n
THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE IS QB1 \ud83d\udc4a@CodyRhodes<\/a> | #WrestleMania<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/YkbcZaSCqr<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Pat then took a cheap shot at Cody with the microphone, but Cody managed to fight back against both men. Cody laid out McAfee with the Cross Rhodes, and then Jelly Roll put McAfee through the desk with an elbow drop. After McAfee was taken out on a stretcher, the match officially started.<\/p>\n ELBOW THROUGH THE TABLE \ud83d\udcaa@JellyRoll615<\/a> takes out @PatMcAfeeShow<\/a>! <\/p>\n Stream #WrestleMania<\/a> LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN<\/a> app!<\/p>\n \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/jKAIj8nxxt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/mdXA7P9qF0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n The announcers brought up internet reports of Orton being hurt. Orton appeared to be struggling, and Cody took advantage of the situation by targeting the alleged bad back. Orton was eventually able to deliver a superplex and build up momentum. However, his advantage was short-lived as Cody sent Orton into the ring post, and Orton was busted open. Cody wiped some of Orton\u2019s blood on his chest.<\/p>\n Randy Orton is busted open \ud83e\ude78<\/p>\n Stream #WrestleMania<\/a> LIVE RIGHT NOW on the @ESPN<\/a> app!<\/p>\n \u27a1\ufe0f https:\/\/t.co\/jKAIj8nxxt<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/f5WJDrgyDA<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n After using Orton\u2019s own draping DDT against him, Cody went for an RKO, but Orton countered with a Cross Rhodes, but Cody kicked out. Cody came back with a successful RKO, but Orton kicked out. Orton regained the advantage with an RKO out of nowhere, but Cody kicked out. After the two traded shots, Cody poked Orton in the eyes, and Orton accidentally gave the referee an RKO. Orton tried to kick Cody low, but Cody countered and delivered his own low blow. <\/p>\n AN RKO TO CHARLES ROBINSON \ud83d\ude31 pic.twitter.com\/Bb94eXJD2k<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cody went for a springboard Cody Cutter, but Orton countered with an RKO. McAfee, wearing a referee shirt, came down to make the count, but Cody kicked out. Orton responded by giving McAfee an RKO, but then Cody hit a Cross Rhodes on Orton and pinned him as the original referee recovered.<\/p>\n CODY RETAINS!!! \ud83e\udd29@CodyRhodes<\/a> found the killer instinct! pic.twitter.com\/pezLMlUMsf<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Cody celebrated his victory but was suddenly attacked by Orton. Orton then delivered a punt kick to Cody and posed with the championship.<\/p>\n A PUNT \ud83d\ude31\ud83d\ude31\ud83d\ude31@RandyOrton<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/NQJz4us23h<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 WWE (@WWE) April 19, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \t