Cody Rhodes Stuns Randy Orton to Retain WWE Title at WrestleMania 42 Despite Pat McAfee's Return
By Mike Chiari
Published on April 19, 2026.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton were set to compete at WrestleMania 42, despite Pat McAfee's return from the sidelines. The match was set to take place at the Elimination Chamber premium live event in February. Orton had previously defeated then-WWE champion Drew McIntyre, making him a three-time WWE champion. However, general manager Nick Aldis was angered by McIntyre's interference and demanded that McIntyre put the WWE title on the line against Rhodes on a SmackDown episode. Despite McAfee attacking Rhodes, Orton and McAfee attempted to defend Rhodes.
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