Cody Rhodes Retains Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, Randy Orton and Pat McAfee Alliance Falters

At WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes successfully defended his Undisputed WWE Championship in a high-stakes main event that lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated matches in recent WrestleMania history. Facing a formidable alliance of Randy Orton and Pat McAfee, Rhodes overcame significant odds to retain his title, cementing his status as a top-tier main-event talent in WWE. The victory not only affirmed Rhodes’ resilience but also highlighted the evolving dynamics of WWE’s storytelling, where legacy, athleticism and surprise alliances collide on the grandest stage.

Match Overview: Rhodes vs. Orton and McAfee

The Undisputed WWE Championship match was structured as a handicap bout, with Rhodes defending solo against the teamed forces of Orton, a 14-time world champion and third-generation wrestler, and McAfee, the former NFL punter turned WWE commentator and occasional in-ring competitor. Despite being outsized and outnumbered, Rhodes used a combination of technical prowess, high-impact offense, and relentless determination to overcome the dual threat.

Throughout the match, Orton targeted Rhodes’ legs with his signature RKO setup attempts, while McAfee brought unexpected aggression and brawling tactics, leveraging his athleticism to keep Rhodes off balance. Yet, Rhodes repeatedly countered with his Cross Rhodes finisher and near-falls that had the WWE Universe on the edge of their seats. The turning point came when Rhodes hit a second Cross Rhodes on McAfee after Orton was distracted, followed by a quick pin to secure the victory.

The win was met with a thunderous response from the crowd at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, underscoring Rhodes’ popularity as a fan favorite and his credibility as a champion who can overcome adversity.

Significance of the Victory

Cody Rhodes’ retention of the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 carries substantial narrative weight. Having won the title earlier in the year at Night 1 of WrestleMania 41 by defeating Roman Reigns in the main event, Rhodes entered WrestleMania 42 as a fighting champion seeking to validate his reign against a fresh kind of challenge.

By overcoming the Orton-McAfee alliance—a pairing that blended Orton’s veteran ruthlessness with McAfee’s unpredictable intensity—Rhodes demonstrated his ability to adapt and prevail under pressure. The victory also served to elevate McAfee as a credible physical threat in future storylines, while reinforcing Orton’s role as a perennial top-tier competitor capable of elevating others through association.

From a storytelling perspective, the match continued Rhodes’ arc as the embodiment of perseverance and legacy, echoing the themes of his father Dusty Rhodes’ career while carving out his own path in WWE’s modern era.

Reactions and Aftermath

Following the match, Rhodes celebrated in the center of the ring with his title, flanked by fireworks and a roaring crowd. Commentators praised his performance, with Michael Cole noting that Rhodes had “once again proven why he belongs at the highly top of this business.”

On social media, the moment trended globally, with fans and fellow wrestlers alike applauding Rhodes’ resilience. WWE officials later confirmed that Rhodes would next face a challenger emerging from the King of the Ring tournament, setting up a potential summer showdown.

Meanwhile, Orton and McAfee were shown in the aftermath arguing backstage, hinting at a possible fracture in their alliance—a development that could lead to future singles competition between the two.

About WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania 42 took place on April 6 and 7, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-night event drew a combined attendance of over 120,000 fans and featured marquee matches across both nights, including world title bouts, high-flying spectacles, and celebrity involvements. Night 2, where the Undisputed WWE Championship match occurred, was highlighted as the culmination of several months-long storylines built on WWE’s weekly programming, Raw and SmackDown.

The event was broadcast live on Peacock in the United States and via WWE Network internationally, generating significant buzz across traditional media and digital platforms.

Key Takeaways

• Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 by defeating Randy Orton and Pat McAfee in a handicap match.
• The victory underscored Rhodes’ resilience, in-ring ability, and status as a top main-event talent in WWE.
• Randy Orton and Pat McAfee’s alliance showed promise but ultimately fell short, leaving room for future narrative development.
• WrestleMania 42 delivered on its promise of spectacle and storytelling, reinforcing its status as the premier annual event in professional wrestling.
• Rhodes’ win sets the stage for upcoming challengers, with potential feuds brewing on both Raw and SmackDown heading into the summer season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Cody Rhodes?

Cody Rhodes is an American professional wrestler currently signed to WWE, where he performs on the SmackDown brand. A second-generation wrestler (son of the legendary Dusty Rhodes), he has held multiple championships across WWE and AEW, including the Undisputed WWE Championship, which he won at WrestleMania 41 by defeating Roman Reigns.

What is the Undisputed WWE Championship?

The Undisputed WWE Championship is WWE’s top singles title, representing the unification of the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship. It was first unified in 2022 and has since been defended as a single world title atop WWE’s hierarchy.

Did Randy Orton and Pat McAfee team up before WrestleMania 42?

While Orton and McAfee had interacted on-screen in the weeks leading to WrestleMania 42—primarily through verbal exchanges and occasional physical confrontations—their alliance was formalized shortly before the event as a strategic pairing to challenge Rhodes. Their teamwork was presented as a surprise but effective tactic to overcome Rhodes’ resilience.

Where was WrestleMania 42 held?

WrestleMania 42 took place over two nights (April 6–7, 2024) at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders.

What’s next for Cody Rhodes after WrestleMania 42?

Following his title retention, Cody Rhodes is expected to face the winner of the 2024 King of the Ring tournament, with potential contenders including rising stars and established veterans looking to make a statement by challenging for the Undisputed WWE Championship.