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WWE Legend Stephanie McMahon Slaps Cody Rhodes on 'Monday Night Raw'
The confrontation comes ahead of Rhodes' WrestleMania title match against Randy Orton.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:51pm
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In a surprise return to 'Monday Night Raw', WWE legend Stephanie McMahon confronted undisputed champion Cody Rhodes at Madison Square Garden. McMahon criticized Rhodes, saying he is not as ruthless as his father Dusty Rhodes, and then slapped him across the face. The exchange came as Rhodes prepares to defend his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Why it matters
The slap from McMahon appears to be a catalyst for Rhodes to tap into a more aggressive side as he looks to overcome Orton's 'diabolical' tactics at the biggest event of the WWE calendar. The confrontation also adds intrigue and drama to the Rhodes-Orton title match, which is one of the marquee bouts scheduled for WrestleMania 42.
The details
During the segment, McMahon told Rhodes he would need to 'think like Randy' and get 'down and dirty' if he wants to defeat Orton at WrestleMania. When Rhodes fired back that he is not his father Dusty, McMahon responded by slapping him across the face. The exchange ended with Rhodes thanking McMahon for the 'wake-up call' he may need ahead of his title match.
- The segment took place on the March 31, 2026 episode of 'Monday Night Raw' at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
- WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18-19, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
The players
Stephanie McMahon
A WWE legend and former on-screen authority figure who is the daughter of WWE Chairman Vince McMahon.
Cody Rhodes
The current undisputed WWE Champion who is set to defend his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.
Randy Orton
A WWE legend known as the 'Legend Killer' who won the men's Royal Rumble and will challenge Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania.
What they’re saying
“You don't have to be diabolical, but you're going to have to be able to think like that. You're gonna have to be able to think like Randy. Your father understood that better than anybody. Dusty Rhodes could roll with the best of them. He can get down and dirty with the best of them, but from what I've seen so far, you are not your father.”
— Stephanie McMahon
“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
What’s next
Cody Rhodes will need to find a way to overcome Randy Orton's 'diabolical' tactics when they meet for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 in Las Vegas.
The takeaway
Stephanie McMahon's surprise return and slap on 'Monday Night Raw' appears to be a pivotal moment that will push Cody Rhodes to tap into a more ruthless side as he prepares to defend his WWE Championship against the 'Legend Killer' Randy Orton at the biggest event of the year, WrestleMania 42.
