Wrestlemania 42 Day One: Cody Rhodes Triumphs Over Randy Orton in Epic Showdown
Cody Rhodes Retains Championship
On the opening day of Wrestlemania 42, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship against the legendary Randy Orton, marking a significant 'student versus mentor' battle at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. Alongside Cody's victory, the matches featuring Seth Rollins against Gunther and Drew McIntyre facing Jacob Fatu also captivated the audience.
Undisputed WWE Championship Match
The main event showcased a thrilling clash between mentor Orton and his protégé Cody, who leveraged their two-decade-long rivalry. Before the match commenced, Cody, accompanied by musician Jelly Roll, incapacitated Orton's ally, former WWE commentator Pat McAfee, who was taken away on a stretcher. Although Orton initially controlled the match, Cody quickly adapted, exploiting Orton's apparent back issues. The bout escalated with both competitors exchanging their signature moves, including Cody's RKO and Orton's Cross Rhodes. As the match progressed, both wrestlers appeared exhausted. A bloody Orton inadvertently knocked out the referee with an RKO after Cody executed an eye rake. Despite Cody's low blow, Orton retaliated with another RKO. With no official present, McAfee rushed in to count the pin, but Cody managed to escape. In a moment of frustration, Orton struck McAfee with an RKO. Ultimately, Cody, despite being bloodied, secured his victory with a Cross Rhodes. However, post-match, Orton retaliated with a championship belt shot and a punting kick to Cody's head, holding the title aloft.
Gunther vs Seth Rollins
In another highlight of the event, Gunther, known as 'The Career Killer', continued his dominance by defeating Seth Rollins in a technical wrestling showcase. Both competitors exchanged fierce strikes and grappling maneuvers, with Rollins returning to the ring after a lengthy injury hiatus. Despite Rollins' valiant efforts, including a pedigree and curb stomp, he struggled to overcome Gunther's relentless offense. A key moment occurred when Rollins executed two suicide dives, but Gunther retaliated with powerful back-breaking powerbombs. Just as Rollins gained momentum, Bron Brekker, who had previously sidelined him, interfered, allowing Gunther to secure a sleeper hold victory as Rollins passed out.
Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu
Drew McIntyre faced Jacob Fatu in a brutal unsanctioned match that began with Jacob interrupting McIntyre's entrance with a devastating suicide dive. The match featured intense exchanges of offense, with chair shots and broken tables echoing throughout the arena. A standout moment included McIntyre executing a flying senton and suplexing Jacob through a chair. Ultimately, Jacob sealed his victory with a spectacular moonsault off the top rope through a table.
Opening Bout Highlights
The event kicked off with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and LA Knight triumphing over The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and YouTuber IShowSpeed in a dynamic match. A pivotal moment occurred when IShowSpeed knocked out Logan while attempting to target Knight, leading to a post-match beatdown from Logan. However, The Usos and Knight intervened, assisting IShowSpeed in executing a stunning splash on Logan through the announce desk.
Women's Division Results
In the women's division, The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki) alongside a returning Paige defeated the Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend), Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, and Bayley with Lyra Valkyria in a Fatal-4-Way match for the WWE Women's Tag Team titles. Additionally, Becky Lynch reclaimed the WWE Women's Intercontinental title from AJ Lee, while Liv Morgan emerged victorious against Stephanie Vaquer to capture the Women's World Championship.