Cody Rhodes Retains Championship at WrestleMania 42 Despite Pat McAfee's Interference and Orton's Aggression Cody Rhodes successfully defended his championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 in a physically demanding match. Pat McAfee's interference was a significant factor, but Rhodes ultimately overcame Orton's offensive maneuvers and McAfee's officiating to secure the win, though Orton's post-match attack left a lasting impact. WrestleMania 42 witnessed a highly anticipated showdown between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, a match largely free from the anticipated distractions, although one prominent figure managed to insert himself into the proceedings. The event, held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Saturday night, saw Pat McAfee, the ESPN commentator, make an in-ring appearance with Orton at the outset. His presence was met with considerable animosity from the crowd, eliciting some of the loudest boos of the evening. McAfee's interference began immediately, as he struck Rhodes with a microphone to kick off the contest. Once Rhodes regained his composure, he strategically maneuvered Orton aside to focus his attention on McAfee. He proceeded to clear the announce table, placing McAfee upon it, and then allowed musician Jelly Roll to deliver an elbow drop onto the former NFL player. The boos intensified as McAfee was subsequently carried out of the arena on a stretcher. With McAfee removed, the match could finally commence in earnest. The pace was deliberate and methodical for the majority of the bout. Interestingly, Rhodes, who typically avoids targeting injured opponents, consistently worked on Orton's back throughout the match. The crowd remained largely subdued, observing the exchanges between Rhodes and Orton as they battled for dominance. The atmosphere shifted when Rhodes forcefully drove Orton into the ring post, a moment that finally galvanized the spectators. Orton was visibly bleeding. Rhodes then attempted to replicate Orton's signature RKO maneuver, but Orton successfully countered it. Turning the tables, Orton adopted Rhodes' strategy and delivered a devastating Cross Rhodes to 'The American Nightmare.' In the ensuing moments, Rhodes finally managed to hit Orton with an RKO, but it was not enough to secure a pinfall. Orton retaliated with an RKO of his own, seemingly sensing an imminent fifteenth WWE championship victory, only for Rhodes to kick out at the last possible second. The grueling contest continued, with Orton connecting with another RKO on Rhodes. The match reached a critical juncture when the referee, Charles Robinson, was inadvertently struck and incapacitated. With no official to count, Orton made a bold, albeit unsportsmanlike, attempt to target Rhodes' groin, a move reminiscent of McAfee's actions on SmackDown weeks prior. Rhodes, however, anticipated the maneuver and successfully countered, delivering a low blow to Orton instead. As Rhodes ascended to the top rope, Orton executed another surprising RKO. Miraculously, McAfee made a swift recovery and sprinted to the ring, assuming the role of the count-out official for Orton. However, Rhodes demonstrated remarkable resilience, kicking out just before the three-count. McAfee, visibly frustrated, urged Orton to press his advantage. Seizing this fleeting moment of distraction, Rhodes delivered a decisive Cross Rhodes to Orton, securing the pinfall and retaining his championship. The exhausted and bloodied competitors caught their breath in the center of the ring, but Orton's aggression was far from over. He snatched the championship belt from Rhodes and struck him with it. The night concluded with Orton delivering a brutal punt kick to Rhodes' head, leaving the outcome of Night 1 in dramatic fashion.