Cody Rhodes Retains WWE Title in WrestleMania Main Event

Rhodes defeats Randy Orton after interference from Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:13am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the climactic moments of the WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the intense action and drama of the encounter.The explosive conclusion to the WrestleMania 42 main event leaves the Undisputed WWE Title picture in a state of chaos and uncertainty.Las Vegas Today

Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 by defeating Randy Orton in the main event of Night One. The match featured interference from Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll, with McAfee attacking Rhodes before the match and Jelly Roll later taking out McAfee. Rhodes ultimately hit his signature Cross Rhodes move to pick up the victory, but Orton attacked him after the match.

Why it matters

This was a highly anticipated main event match at the biggest WWE pay-per-view of the year, with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line. The result keeps the title on Rhodes, who has been a dominant champion, while the post-match attack by Orton sets up a potential rematch or further feud between the two Superstars.

The details

The match began with Pat McAfee interrupting the ring introductions and attacking Rhodes before the bell. McAfee and Orton then continued the assault on Rhodes, but he was able to fight back. Later in the match, McAfee tried to interfere again by dressing as a referee, but Orton ended up hitting him with an RKO. That allowed Rhodes to hit the Cross Rhodes for the win. After the match, Orton attacked Rhodes, hitting him with the title belt and a punt kick.

  • The match took place on Saturday, April 19, 2026 as the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One.
  • McAfee's initial interference occurred just before the match started.
  • Jelly Roll's appearance and attack on McAfee happened midway through the match.
  • Orton's post-match assault on Rhodes occurred immediately after the match ended.

The players

Cody Rhodes

The current Undisputed WWE Champion, who successfully defended his title against Randy Orton in the WrestleMania 42 main event.

Randy Orton

A WWE Superstar and former multi-time champion who challenged Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 42.

Pat McAfee

A WWE commentator and personality who interfered in the main event match, first attacking Rhodes before the bell and later trying to help Orton win the title.

Jelly Roll

A musician who made a surprise appearance at WrestleMania 42 and attacked Pat McAfee during the main event match.

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What they’re saying

“A PUNT 😱😱😱”

— WWE

“#ANDSTILL 🏆@CodyRhodes RETAINS the Undisputed WWE Title at #WrestleMania!”

— WWE WrestleMania

What’s next

The result of this match sets up a potential rematch or continued feud between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, with Orton's post-match attack likely leading to their paths crossing again in the near future. Additionally, the involvement of Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll could factor into future storylines and matches.

The takeaway

Cody Rhodes' successful title defense in the WrestleMania 42 main event solidifies his status as the top champion in WWE, while the post-match assault by Randy Orton suggests their rivalry is far from over. The interference from Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll added an unpredictable element to the high-stakes match, hinting at potential new directions for the storylines moving forward.