Rhodes defeated Randy Orton in the main event of WrestleMania 42 on Saturday night at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. He secured the victory after delivering a Cross Rhodes to Orton, following Orton’s earlier RKO on Pat McAfee.
The match opened with chaotic moments involving Pat McAfee. He interrupted Alicia Taylor’s ring introductions to deliver his own introduction for Randy Orton. Just as the referee was about to start the bout, McAfee struck Rhodes with a microphone.
McAfee and Orton then launched an attack on Rhodes before the match officially began, but Rhodes managed to absorb the assault and fight back.
Rhodes landed a Cross Rhodes on McAfee and then rolled him out of the ring, placing him onto the announce table. Before Rhodes could continue the attack, Jelly Roll appeared and asked to take over, eventually driving McAfee through the table with a splash.
McAfee was then stretchered out of the stadium while Rhodes watched from the ring. As he was taken up the ramp, the Las Vegas crowd booed and chanted at McAfee, who responded with a thumbs-up gesture.
Near the closing moments of the match, the referee was taken out, prompting McAfee to rush back to the ring wearing a referee shirt and attempt a fast count for Orton. Rhodes managed to kick out at two.
Immediately afterward, Orton hit McAfee with an RKO. The brief distraction gave Rhodes the opening he needed, and he capitalized by delivering a Cross Rhodes to secure the victory.
After the match concluded, Orton struck Rhodes in the face with the championship belt. He then delivered a punt kick to Rhodes’ head before standing over him as the show went off the air.
The crowd largely backed Orton throughout most of the match, while Rhodes adopted several heel tactics, including a low blow. Rhodes spent much of the bout working in a more villainous role, drawing boos from the audience.
His actions included mocking Orton, using his signature moves against him, and frequently ignoring the referee’s instructions.
Pat McAfee was heavily booed by the crowd throughout the entire event. Jelly Roll did not reappear during the match after his early involvement at the start.
Looking ahead, WrestleMania 42 Sunday is set to feature Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk in the main event for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The card also includes Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar and Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill.
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