In a thrilling opening night of WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes successfully retained the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Randy Orton. The match was marked by intense drama, including a shocking betrayal as Orton punted Rhodes after the contest. The event also saw notable appearances and returns, with new champions crowned across the card. Despite the excitement, there were criticisms regarding the execution of some matches, particularly concerning the controversial finish to the main event. As Rhodes celebrated his victory, the rivalry with Orton is clearly far from over, setting the stage for further confrontations in the future.