Cody Rhodes Suffers Severe Injuries After WrestleMania Main Event Loss

The American Nightmare needs medical clearance before his next match against Randy Orton.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:05pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the chaotic action of the WrestleMania 42 main event between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form representing the intensity of the match.The brutal aftermath of the WrestleMania 42 main event has left Cody Rhodes with severe injuries, setting the stage for a potential rematch against Randy Orton.Today in Tampa

In the main event of WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes retained the WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a bloody battle. However, after the match, Orton brutally attacked Rhodes, leaving him with an orbital injury, facial lacerations, and a head injury requiring staples. Rhodes is currently not medically cleared to compete, and his timetable for return is uncertain as he recovers from the vicious post-match assault.

Why it matters

The feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is far from over, as Orton's post-match attack has set the stage for a potential rematch at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view. Rhodes' severe injuries raise questions about his availability and whether Orton will get another shot at the WWE Championship.

The details

In the WrestleMania 42 main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton to retain the WWE Championship in a bloody battle. However, after the match, Orton ripped the title from Rhodes' hands and delivered his signature punt kick, leaving Rhodes with an orbital injury, three facial sutures, and four staples in the back of his head. Rhodes is currently not medically cleared to compete, and his return timetable is uncertain.

  • On April 18, 2026, Cody Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in the WrestleMania 42 main event.
  • Immediately after the match, Randy Orton attacked Cody Rhodes, delivering a devastating punt kick.

The players

Cody Rhodes

The current WWE Champion, known as The American Nightmare, who suffered severe injuries after his WrestleMania 42 main event match against Randy Orton.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE Superstar known as The Viper, who brutally attacked Cody Rhodes after their WrestleMania 42 match, leaving Rhodes with multiple injuries.

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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

“As for the punt that you just showed from Randy Orton, the impact to Cody's orbital socket was so severe that his eye is still completely shut. So again, Cody Rhodes is not medically cleared, and his timetable for return as of today is up in the air.”

— Jackie Redmond, WWE Commentator

What’s next

If Cody Rhodes is able to recover in time, a rematch against Randy Orton at the upcoming Backlash pay-per-view in Tampa, Florida is likely to be booked.

The takeaway

Cody Rhodes' severe injuries suffered at the hands of Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 have put his immediate future in jeopardy, raising questions about whether he will be able to defend the WWE Championship in the near future. This attack by Orton has reignited their feud and set the stage for a potential rematch with high stakes.