WrestleMania 42’s first night at Allegiant Stadium was a rollercoaster of drama, surprises, and high-stakes wrestling. One of the most anticipated moments was the tease of a double turn involving Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. However, the story took an unexpected twist with Pat McAfee’s involvement in the Undisputed WWE Championship match, which left many fans disappointed.
By the end of the night, Cody Rhodes retained his title, maintaining his composure as the face of the storyline. Meanwhile, McAfee became a non-factor after Orton turned on him, leading to a dramatic finish that set up the next night’s events. The rivalry between McAfee and Rhodes had been building for some time, and it culminated in a chaotic sequence where McAfee was taken out by Rhodes and Jelly Roll. Despite this, the actual match between Rhodes and Orton didn’t live up to expectations, with key moments like Rhodes nearly embracing his dark side against the sinister Orton.
Orton received consistent fan support throughout the night, even after post-match antics. McAfee returned later as a referee and attempted to give Orton the win, but Orton hit him with an RKO after things didn’t go his way. Rhodes capitalized on the chaos to secure the victory. The show ended with Orton assaulting Rhodes, leaving fans eager for what will happen on night two.
Highlights from Night One
Women’s World Championship Match: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer
After weeks of brutal battles, Liv Morgan and Stephanie Vaquer faced off for the Women’s World Championship. Morgan, still recovering from a recent injury, showed resilience and determination. With the support of Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez, she managed to defeat Vaquer and reclaim the title. This victory marked a significant moment in her career, moving from injured to Royal Rumble winner to world champion.
Gunther vs. Seth Rollins
Gunther redeemed himself after a loss to Jey Uso last year by delivering one of the best matches of the weekend against Seth Rollins. The match was intense and unpredictable, with both competitors giving their all. A surprise interference from Bron Breakker disrupted Rollins’ momentum, allowing Gunther to come out on top. This match highlighted the potential for a future feud between Rollins and Breakker.
Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee
Becky Lynch made a triumphant return to WrestleMania, defeating AJ Lee to reclaim the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Lynch used underhanded tactics, including using an exposed top turnbuckle, to secure the win. She also had to deal with referee Jessika Carr, adding another layer of tension to the match. This victory solidified Lynch’s position as a top contender in the women’s division.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Match: Brie Bella and Paige vs. The Irresistible Forces
Paige made a dramatic return to WWE, teaming up with Brie Bella to challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Nikki Bella was unable to compete due to an injury, but her replacement proved to be a highlight of the night. The match was filled with high-energy action, and the Bellas emerged victorious. This moment was a celebration of Paige’s return and her impact on the wrestling world.
Unsanctioned Match: Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
Jacob Fatu delivered a stellar performance in an unsanctioned match against Drew McIntyre. The match was a brutal showcase of strength and endurance, with both wrestlers throwing everything they had at each other. Fatu eventually came out on top, proving his worth and setting the stage for bigger opportunities in his career.
The Usos and LA Knight vs. Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed
The opening match featured The Usos and LA Knight taking on Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed. While IShowSpeed may not have won, he still managed to make an impact, especially after a dramatic frog splash that sent Paul through a table. This match highlighted the unique blend of wrestling and celebrity entertainment that WrestleMania is known for.
Other Notable Moments
John Cena’s Opening Segment
John Cena kicked off the event in a suit, marking a new look for the legendary wrestler. His speech emphasized the importance of delivering on the promises made during the buildup to WrestleMania. He welcomed everyone to the event and set the tone for the night ahead.
Hall of Fame Inductions
The 2026 Hall of Fame inductees were celebrated, including Nick Hogan and Robin Roussimoff for Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant, the family of Bad News Brown, Dennis Rodman, Ax and Smash, the family of Sid Vicious, AJ Styles, and Stephanie McMahon. These moments paid tribute to the legacy of wrestling and its impact on pop culture.
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
The main event saw Cody Rhodes defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton. The match was filled with twists and turns, with Pat McAfee inserted into the storyline. After a back-and-forth battle, Rhodes retained his title, while Orton turned on McAfee, creating a cliffhanger for the second night of WrestleMania.
Where to Watch
Fans looking to catch all the action can stream WrestleMania 42 Night 1 on the ESPN app. The event is available for free with an ESPN Unlimited plan, providing access to a wide range of sports content, including NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and college sports. The ESPN app also offers live coverage of WWE Premium Live Events, making it the perfect platform for wrestling fans.
Final Results
- Cody Rhodes (c) def. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer (c) for the Women’s World Championship
- Gunther def. Seth Rollins
- Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee (c) for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- Brie Bella and Paige def. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend), Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Bayley and Lyra Valkyria for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship
- Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre in an Unsanctioned match
- The Usos (Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso) and LA Knight def. The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) and IShowSpeed
