The opening night of WrestleMania 42 relied heavily on unpredictability, with interference, comebacks 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 in several matches.
The championship changed hands and the rivalry intensified, with several matches turning into moments of disruption rather than dominance. The night struck a balance between spectacle and story development, as established stars held firm while others capitalized on the chaos to reshape the title picture.
At the center of it all, Cody Rhodes retained his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a main event that captured the defining theme of the night, survival in the midst of chaos.
The Usos and LA Knight set the tone in the six-man opener
The Usos and LA Knight opened the night with victories over Logan Paul, Austin Theory and IShowSpeed.
The game combined fast action with moments of miscommunication on the opposing team. Knight eventually sealed the win with his BFT finisher before IShowSpeed high-risked the announce table in the post-match segment.
Jacob Fatu survives McIntyre in a brutal unsanctioned clash
Jacob Fatu secured a win over Drew McIntyre in a violent unsanctioned match full of weapons and high stakes spots.
The bout featured chairs, tables and a toolbox, with both men taking considerable punishment. McIntyre looked close to victory on numerous occasions, but Fatu withstood the onslaught before finishing the match with a decisive Moonsault through the table.
Paige returns to secure an emotional tag team title win
One of the standout moments of the night came when Paige made a surprise return to action to fill in for an injured Nikki Bella.
Teaming up with Brie Bella, Paige played a decisive role in a fatal four-way match. After a frantic contest involving multiple teams, Twisted Bliss countered and made their finishing move to clinch the titles in an emotional comeback victory.
Becky Lynch wins the title in a controversial finish
Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a match that hinged on drama.
Lynch’s aggression set the tone early, but tension with the referee became a key factor. After a messy sequence that included an exposed turnbuckle and a downed official, Lynch capitalized and executed a Manhandle Slam to secure a hard-fought and contested victory.
Gunther triumphs after Breakker intervenes
Gunther outlasted Seth Rollins in a physically grueling match that quickly escalated into a ringside brawl before settling into a hard fought match.
Rollins appeared to be close to winning after landing a Pedigree and Stomp combination, but the momentum shifted dramatically with the arrival of Bron Breaker. His spear on Rollins set up a way for Gunther to grab the sleeper and force the stoppage.
Liv Morgan capitalizes on the chaos to regain the Women’s World Title
Liv Morgan captured the Women’s World Championship by defeating Stephanie Vaquer in a contest shaped by early intervention.
Vaquer made an early impact, combining flair with control, but the arrival of Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez shifted the momentum. Although Vaquer fought back briefly, Morgan took advantage of her moment amid the distraction and delivered an ObLIVion to secure the third reign.
Rhodes resists Orton to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship
Rhodes overcame a relentless challenge from Orton in a dramatic main event built on persistence and opportunism. Targeting Orton’s surgically repaired back early, the champion dictated the pace before the contest devolved into a signature exchange.
Orton, despite his visible discomfort, responded with vintage aggression, smashing Rhodes and even turning his opponent’s moves against him. Both men traded RKOs and Cross Rhodes attempts in a hard-fought finish that refused to establish a clear advantage.
The match descended into chaos when the referee was taken out, prompting the return of Pat McAfee as a substitute. However, Orton refused the help and took him out, allowing Rhodes to use the decisive Cross Rhodes that he retained. Orton’s post-match attack ensured the rivalry was far from over.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
19 Apr 2026 09:27 IST
