Ric Flair Praises Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton WrestleMania Main Event

The wrestling legend called it 'one of the greatest matches' he's seen in years.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and emotion of the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton WWE title match, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A cubist interpretation of the intense physicality and dramatic tension of the WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.Today in Tampa

Cody Rhodes retained his WWE Championship against his mentor, Randy Orton, during the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. While the match received a mixed reaction online, it received high praise from wrestling legend Ric Flair, who called it 'one of the greatest matches' he's seen in the last few years.

Why it matters

Flair's connection to both Rhodes and Orton adds significant weight to his praise, as he has a long history with the two wrestlers' families. The match's mixed reception also highlights the ongoing debate around the use of celebrity influences in WWE storylines leading up to WrestleMania.

The details

Rhodes and Orton were given 23 minutes to work, nine minutes longer than any other match on the card. They told a classic, violent story that left both men bloody by the time the match was over. Rhodes eventually pinned Orton with a Cross Rhodes clean in the middle of the ring, but Orton then attacked Rhodes after the match, beating him down with the WWE Championship before the show went off the air.

  • The match took place on Saturday night during Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
  • The next WWE premium live event will be Backlash next month in Tampa, where Ric Flair resides.

The players

Cody Rhodes

The current WWE Champion who retained his title against his mentor, Randy Orton, in the main event of WrestleMania Night 1.

Randy Orton

A veteran wrestler and Cody Rhodes' mentor, who challenged for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania Night 1.

Ric Flair

A legendary professional wrestler known as 'The Nature Boy', who has a long history with both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton's families.

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What they’re saying

“One Of The Greatest Matches I've Seen In The Last Few Years. Congrats To @CodyRhodes But There Is No Winner Or Loser! @RandyOrton, You Were Spectacular! You Both Represent So Well At The Highest Level. I Have So Much Respect For You Both!”

— Ric Flair, Wrestling Legend

What’s next

The next WWE premium live event will be Backlash next month in Tampa, where Ric Flair resides, potentially setting up further storylines between Rhodes, Orton, and Flair.

The takeaway

Ric Flair's high praise for the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton WrestleMania main event highlights the quality of the match, despite its mixed reception, and underscores the enduring legacy and influence of wrestling legends like Flair in the modern era of the sport.