WrestleMania 42: Rhodes beats Orton, Paige shocks fans

Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 brought energy, emotion, and major storyline turns inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The headline attraction saw Cody Rhodes successfully defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a tense and physical main event.

Both competitors pushed each other to the limit in a bout filled with near falls and dramatic counters. Rhodes survived the challenge and secured the victory, but the moment did not end quietly. After the final bell, Orton struck with a sudden punt kick, leaving the champion laid out and adding a bitter edge to an already heated rivalry.

Championship stakes shaped much of the evening. Liv Morgan captured the Women’s World Championship in a competitive clash with Stephanie Vaquer, marking a defining win in her career.

Becky Lynch regained the Women’s Intercontinental Title by defeating AJ Lee in a highly charged encounter that drew loud reactions throughout the arena. The Usos joined forces with LA Knight to take the opening six-man tag team contest, igniting the crowd and setting a strong pace for the rest of the show.

Paige Shocks WWE Universe with Electrifying Return

The most emotional moment came when Paige made her long-awaited return. Stepping in for the injured Nikki Bella, she aligned with Brie Bella in a Fatal 4-Way match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship. The contest featured established and rising names, including Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, along with Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

Paige showed confidence and composure throughout the match, proving she had not lost her edge. When she and Brie secured the win, the reaction was immediate and thunderous, signaling just how much her presence had been missed.

Elsewhere, Gunther forced Seth Rollins to submit in a technically sharp contest that showcased his dominance. Bron Breakker’s surprise appearance added intrigue and could shape upcoming rivalries. Jacob Fatu also delivered a gritty performance, earning an unsanctioned victory over Drew McIntyre in a hard-hitting encounter.

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 blended established stars with fresh momentum, creating a layered event that leaves several stories wide open heading into Night 2.