Cody Rhodes Retains Undisputed WWE Title as WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Delivers Shocking Twists

Liv Morgan Claims Women's World Championship in Chaotic Title Change on WrestleMania 42 Night 1

Main Event Drama Unfolds

Cody Rhodes held on to the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a turbulent main event that defined WrestleMania 42 Night 1 at Allegiant Stadium. The clash featured interference, betrayals, and a post-match assault that left fans stunned and signalled the rivalry remains far from settled.

The American Nightmare entered the ring accompanied by musician Jelly Roll, while Orton had broadcaster Pat McAfee in his corner. Early chaos erupted as Rhodes and Jelly Roll neutralised McAfee outside the ring. Rhodes dominated large portions of the 22-minute contest with precise offence, but Orton’s veteran cunning kept the outcome in doubt.

In a bizarre twist, McAfee reappeared wearing a referee shirt. Orton quickly turned on his own ally with an RKO, creating the opening Rhodes needed. The champion capitalised with a Cross Rhodes to secure the pinfall and retain his title. Yet the drama escalated moments later when Orton launched a vicious post-match attack, culminating in his signature punt kick to Rhodes’ head. Sources close to the event indicated this brutal finish has intensified calls for a potential rematch.

Women's Title Changes Hands

Liv Morgan dethroned Stephanie Vaquer to become the new Women’s World Champion in one of the night’s most talked-about moments. The match quickly turned into a numbers game as Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez interfered, isolating Vaquer in a three-on-one disadvantage.

Morgan seized the opportunity amid the confusion, pinning Vaquer after just under seven minutes. Post-match celebrations saw Morgan joined by Dominik Mysterio, with Judgment Day members joining in as fireworks lit up the stadium. The victory marked a significant shift in the women’s division and boosted Morgan’s momentum heading into Night 2.

Gunther Overcomes Rollins with Surprise Return

Gunther secured a hard-fought victory over Seth Rollins after Bron Breakker made a shocking return from injury. Rollins appeared on the verge of victory when Breakker stormed the ring and unleashed repeated attacks. The interference allowed Gunther to apply a sleeper hold and claim the win in a 15-minute-plus encounter that showcased raw power and resilience.

Becky Lynch Makes History

Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee to capture the Women’s Intercontinental Championship for the third time in her career. The bout highlighted Lynch’s experience and determination against a formidable opponent. Fans praised the technical display that reaffirmed Lynch’s status as one of the division’s top performers.

Tag Team Gold Shifts Amid Returns

In the Women’s Tag Team Championship fatal four-way, Paige made a surprise return to WWE. Teaming with Brie Bella after Nikki Bella was ruled out medically, the duo triumphed in a thrilling multi-team contest to claim the titles. The match featured high-flying spots and intense teamwork across competing alliances.

Fatu Prevails in Brutal Unsanctioned Clash

Jacob Fatu emerged victorious over Drew McIntyre in a no-holds-barred unsanctioned match that lived up to its violent billing. Tables, ladders, chairs, and belts came into play as both superstars pushed physical limits. Fatu survived the onslaught to earn a decisive win that highlighted his rising star power.

Opening Match Sets Energetic Tone

The night kicked off with high energy as The Usos and LA Knight defeated The Vision (featuring Logan Paul and Austin Theory) alongside IShowSpeed in a six-man tag team bout. Post-match tensions flared when Logan Paul turned on IShowSpeed, only for The Usos to intervene. IShowSpeed capped the segment with an impressive top-rope splash, delighting the capacity crowd of over 58,000.

Background and Build-Up

WrestleMania 42, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, marked the third time the city has hosted the event. Night 1 on April 18 delivered on the promise of spectacle, blending established rivalries with surprise returns and title implications. The card reflected WWE’s strategy of mixing legacy stars with emerging talents across both Raw and SmackDown brands.

Officials described the production as smooth despite the unpredictable in-ring developments. Attendance figures underscored the continued global draw of WrestleMania, with fans travelling from across India and worldwide to witness the action live or via streaming on major platforms.

Impact on WWE Landscape

The results from Night 1 have sent ripples through the roster. Cody Rhodes’ retention, coupled with Orton’s aggressive aftermath, suggests the championship picture could dominate upcoming programming. Morgan’s title win strengthens Judgment Day’s influence, while Paige’s return injects fresh energy into the tag division.

Analysts noted that multiple title changes and interferences have heightened storylines, keeping viewers engaged for Night 2. The event also boosted visibility for crossover elements, including celebrity involvement and streamer appearances, broadening WWE’s appeal.

What Lies Ahead

With Night 2 scheduled for Sunday, April 19, attention now shifts to remaining marquee matches, including CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns. WWE executives hinted at further surprises as the weekend concludes.

Fans and pundits alike expect the fallout from Night 1 to shape Raw and SmackDown episodes in the coming weeks. Whether Rhodes and Orton clash again or new challengers emerge remains a key talking point in this latest chapter of WWE’s flagship event.