WWE results: Cody Rhodes retains title at WrestleMania 42 Night 1

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• The American Nightmare Plays Heel in Championship Triumph
• Historic Tag Title Moment as Paige Returns After Years Away
• Championship Dominance and Title Changes Rock Las Vegas
• Bron Breakker’s Explosive Return Stuns Seth Rollins and the Crowd
• Will Bianca Belair Return to Challenge for Championship Gold?
  • Sources

Cody Rhodes shocked the 50,816 fans at Allegiant Stadium last night, retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship after a heated 22-minute main event battle. But it was The American Nightmare‘s controversial tactics and Randy Orton’s brutal post-match punt that stole the show at WrestleMania 42 Night 1 on April 18, 2026.

The American Nightmare Plays Heel in Championship Triumph

Cody Rhodes delivered a controversial performance in front of 50,816 screaming fans at Las Vegas’s iconic Allegiant Stadium. The Undisputed WWE Champion deliberately played the heel throughout the 22-minute main event match. Rhodes executed classic heel tactics, including poking Orton in the eye and kicking him low after a Television-aided distraction.

Pat McAfee’s involvement added fuel to the fire, but the sports broadcaster was quickly ejected. Jelly Roll made a shocking appearance, delivering a flying elbow through a table on McAfee, earning massive crowd approval. The unpredictable finish saw Rhodes hit a Cross Rhodes on McAfee‘s replacement for the controversial win.

Historic Tag Title Moment as Paige Returns After Years Away

Paige made her shocking return after years of absence, immediately winning the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The sudden appearance left fans chanting her name from the opening bell. Nikki Bella walked out on crutches, unable to compete, setting up the perfect opportunity for Paige’s comeback performance.

Paige teamed with Brie Bella to defeat Charlotte Flair, Alexa Bliss, Bayley, and Lyra Valkyria in a fatal fourway tag team match. The WrestleMania crowd erupted when Paige hit her signature move for the victory. Alexa Bliss paid tribute to Bray Wyatt with an emotional firefly entrance, creating one of the night’s most poignant moments.

Championship Dominance and Title Changes Rock Las Vegas

Champion	Result	Opponent
Cody Rhodes	Retains	Randy Orton
Liv Morgan	Captures	Stephanie Vaquer
Becky Lynch	Retains	AJ Lee
Gunther	Captures	Seth Rollins

Liv Morgan shocked everyone by capturing the WWE Women’s World Championship from Stephanie Vaquer. Becky Lynch successfully defended her Women’s Intercontinental Championship against AJ Lee, with the match featuring a brutal exposed turnbuckle spot. Gunther defeated Seth Rollins in a match-of-the-night candidate filled with incredible near-falls and submission exchanges.

“The American Nightmare is QB1” WWE official statement celebrating Cody Rhodes’ championship retention and controversial belt-holding performance

— WWE, Official Commentary

Bron Breakker’s Explosive Return Stuns Seth Rollins and the Crowd

Bron Breakker’s stunning return provided one of the biggest surprises of the evening. After Gunther defeated Seth Rollins, Breakker sprinted down the WrestleMania ramp and delivered an incredibly powerful spear on Rollins through the ring. The crowd demanded another spear, but instead, Breakker embraced Paul Heyman, suggesting a developing alliance.

Gunther’s victory over Rollins earned an A-minus grade from critics for the match’s excellent near-falls and back-and-forth action. The finishing sequence featured multiple RKO counters and incredible submission exchanges that had fans on their feet throughout.

Will Bianca Belair Return to Challenge for Championship Gold?

Bianca Belair made a stunning appearance during the Liv Morgan celebrations, announcing her pregnancy live to the Las Vegas crowd. John Cena announced the official WrestleMania attendance as 50,816, making jokes about betting the over on predictions.

Night One featured seven matches across Allegiant Stadium, with The Usos and LA Knight defeating The Vision, IShowSpeed, Austin Theory and Logan Paul in a six-man tag team match. Jacob Fatu earned a victory in an unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre. As Night Two approaches, fans are left wondering if the surprise returns and title changes signal major championship shifts coming next.

Sources

• Forbes – Complete match results, winner grades, and detailed WWE championship breakdown
• ESPN – Live match coverage, analysis, and WrestleMania 42 Night One play-by-play reporting
• WWE Official – Attendance figures and championship confirmation