WrestleMania 42 Night 1: Cody Rhodes retains title, Paige returns, Gunther prevails

Cody Rhodes retained his title as WrestleMania 42 night one delivered chaos, surprise returns and multiple title changes, with Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch among the big winners.

In Short

• Cody Rhodes retains after chaotic main event against Randy Orton
• Liv Morgan, Becky Lynch headline major title changes on night one
• Paige returns makes a shocking return

WrestleMania 42’s opening night leaned fully into unpredictability, with interference, returns and high-impact storytelling shaping a card where control rarely lasted long. From the opening bell to the main event, momentum swings and outside involvement proved decisive across multiple matches.

Championships changed hands and rivalries intensified, with several bouts turning on moments of disruption rather than dominance. The night struck a balance between spectacle and storyline progression, as established stars held firm while others capitalised on chaos to reshape the title picture.

At the centre of it all, Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a main event that captured the night’s defining theme, survival amid disorder.

Usos and LA Knight set the tone in six-man opener

The Usos and LA Knight opened the night with a win over Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed.

The match combined fast-paced action with moments of miscommunication within the opposing team. Knight ultimately sealed the victory with his BFT finisher, before a post-match segment saw IShowSpeed deliver a high-risk splash through the announce table.

Jacob Fatu outlasts McIntyre in brutal unsanctioned clash

Jacob Fatu secured a statement win over Drew McIntyre in a violent unsanctioned match filled with weapons and high-risk spots.

The bout featured chairs, tables and a toolbox, with both men absorbing significant punishment. McIntyre appeared close to victory on multiple occasions, but Fatu endured the onslaught before finishing the match with a decisive Moonsault through a table.

Paige returns to secure emotional tag team title win

One of the night’s standout moments came with Paige making a surprise return to action, stepping in for the injured Nikki Bella.

Teaming with Brie Bella, Paige played a decisive role in the fatal four-way tag match. After a frenetic contest involving multiple teams, she countered Twisted Bliss and delivered her finishing move to clinch the titles in an emotional comeback victory.

Becky Lynch reclaims title in controversial finish

Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a match that hinged on officiating drama.

Lynch’s aggression set the tone early, but tensions with the referee became a key factor. After a chaotic sequence involving an exposed turnbuckle and a downed official, Lynch capitalised, delivering a Manhandle Slam to secure a hard-fought and contentious victory.

Gunther triumphs after Breakker intervention

Gunther outlasted Seth Rollins in a physically gruelling match that quickly escalated into a ringside brawl before settling into a hard-hitting contest.

Rollins appeared close to victory after landing a Pedigree and Stomp combination, but the momentum shifted dramatically with the arrival of Bron Breakker. His spear on Rollins paved the way for Gunther to apply a sleeper hold and force a stoppage.

Liv Morgan capitalises on chaos to regain Women’s World title

Liv Morgan captured the Women’s World Championship by defeating Stephanie Vaquer in a contest shaped by timely interference.

Vaquer impressed early, combining flair with control, but the arrival of Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez shifted the momentum. Although Vaquer briefly fought back, Morgan seized her moment amid the distraction, delivering ObLIVion to secure her third reign.

Rhodes withstands Orton to retain Undisputed WWE Championship

Rhodes overcame a relentless challenge from Orton in a dramatic main event built around endurance and opportunism. Targeting Orton’s surgically repaired back early, the champion dictated the pace before the contest evolved into a back-and-forth exchange of signature offence.

Orton, despite visible discomfort, responded with vintage aggression, busting Rhodes open and even turning his opponent’s moves against him. Both men traded RKOs and Cross Rhodes attempts in a tightly contested finish that refused to produce a clear advantage.

The match descended into chaos when the referee was taken out, prompting the return of Pat McAfee as a replacement official. Orton, however, rejected the assistance and took him out, allowing Rhodes to capitalise with a decisive Cross Rhodes to retain. Orton’s post-match assault ensured the rivalry remains far from over.

- Ends