Cody Rhodes Suffers Severe Injuries After WrestleMania 42 Main Event

The American Nightmare is not medically cleared to compete following his title defense against Randy Orton.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 7:52pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic conclusion of the WrestleMania 42 main event, with overlapping planes and shapes representing the physical toll on Cody Rhodes.The violent conclusion of the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 leaves Cody Rhodes with severe injuries and an uncertain future.Today in Tampa

In the main event of Night One of WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a bloody affair. However, the aftermath saw Orton attack Rhodes, ripping the title from his hands and delivering a devastating punt kick that resulted in Rhodes suffering an orbital injury, requiring sutures to his face and staples to the back of his head. Rhodes is not medically cleared to compete, and his timetable for return is uncertain.

Why it matters

This injury to Cody Rhodes could have major implications for the WWE landscape in the coming weeks and months. The rivalry between Rhodes and Orton appears far from over, and a rematch at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view seems likely if Rhodes can get cleared in time. The severity of Rhodes' injuries also raises questions about his ability to defend the WWE Championship in the near future.

The details

After retaining the WWE Championship by hitting Orton with a Cross Rhodes, Rhodes attempted to celebrate his victory. However, Orton then ripped the title from Rhodes' hands and delivered a devastating punt kick, leaving Rhodes with severe injuries. Medical staff confirmed that Rhodes suffered an orbital injury, requiring three sutures to his face and four staples to the back of his head. As a result, Rhodes is not medically cleared to compete, and his timetable for return is uncertain.

  • At the conclusion of the WrestleMania 42 main event on April 18, 2026.
  • During the Countdown to WrestleMania 42 Sunday Kickoff show on April 19, 2026.

The players

Cody Rhodes

The current WWE Champion, also known as The American Nightmare.

Randy Orton

A former WWE Champion and one of the most decorated superstars in WWE history, also known as The Viper.

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What they’re saying

“I can confirm that Cody Rhodes is not medically cleared, and after speaking to medical staff, I can tell you, the damage from that main event was severe. Afterwards, Cody Rhodes needed three sutures to the face and four staples to the back of the head.”

— Jackie Redmond, WWE Commentator

What’s next

If Cody Rhodes can get medically cleared in time, a rematch between him and Randy Orton at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view in Tampa, Florida seems likely.

The takeaway

This injury to Cody Rhodes highlights the brutality of the WWE landscape and the ongoing rivalry between The American Nightmare and The Viper. It remains to be seen how long Rhodes will be sidelined and whether he'll be able to defend his WWE Championship in the near future.