Stephanie McMahon Slaps Cody Rhodes on WWE 'Raw'

Former WWE head confronts champion before WrestleMania 42 title match

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:52pm

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the intense confrontation between Stephanie McMahon and Cody Rhodes, their figures dissolving into energetic brushstrokes that capture the emotional volatility of the moment.The heated exchange between WWE executive Stephanie McMahon and champion Cody Rhodes exposes the high stakes and personal drama surrounding Cody's title defense at WrestleMania.Las Vegas Today

In a dramatic confrontation on WWE's 'Raw' program, former WWE executive Stephanie McMahon returned to the ring and slapped Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes after criticizing his ability to match the cunning of his upcoming title opponent, Randy Orton, at WrestleMania 42.

Why it matters

The intense exchange between McMahon and Rhodes highlights the high stakes and personal drama surrounding Cody's upcoming championship defense against the veteran Orton at WWE's biggest annual event, WrestleMania, which will take place over two nights in Las Vegas.

The details

McMahon, the daughter of WWE founder Vince McMahon, compared Cody Rhodes to his late father Dusty Rhodes, a WWE Hall of Famer, saying Cody was not as adaptable and 'down and dirty' as his father. When Cody fired back by referencing Stephanie not living up to her own father's legacy, she slapped him across the face and warned that unless he could 'think like Randy,' he would lose the title to Orton.

  • The confrontation took place on the March 31, 2026 episode of WWE 'Raw'.
  • WrestleMania 42, where Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton, is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026 in Las Vegas.

The players

Stephanie McMahon

The former chief brand officer of WWE and daughter of company founder Vince McMahon.

Cody Rhodes

The current Undisputed WWE Champion, who is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes.

Randy Orton

A veteran WWE superstar who will challenge Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.

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What they’re saying

“You have to be able to think like Randy. You're father understood that better than anybody. Dusty Rhodes could roll with the best of them. He could get down and dirty with the best of them but from what I've seen so far, you are not your father.”

— Stephanie McMahon, Former WWE Executive

“So unless you can learn to actually think like Randy, then you are going to lose that title.”

— Stephanie McMahon, Former WWE Executive

“You want to bring up fathers, I'm not mine, you're right. Stephanie McMahon, with all due respect, you're not yours either.”

— Cody Rhodes, Undisputed WWE Champion

What’s next

Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas on April 18-19, 2026.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between Stephanie McMahon and Cody Rhodes underscores the high-stakes drama surrounding Cody's title defense against the veteran Randy Orton at WWE's biggest annual event, WrestleMania. Cody's ability to 'think like Randy' and match his cunning will be crucial if he hopes to retain the championship.