WrestleMania 42 Night 1 delivered high-stakes drama with Cody Rhodes successfully defending his WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a chaotic main event that included interference from Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll.
The night was also marked by significant title changes as Becky Lynch captured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship from AJ Lee, and Liv Morgan claimed the Women’s World Championship.
Bron Breakker’s shocking return during the Seth Rollins vs. GUNTHER match set the stage for future confrontations, while Bianca Belair’s emotional pregnancy announcement captivated the Allegiant Stadium crowd.
- The Usos and LA Knight def. The Vision and IShowSpeed (Tag Team Match)
- Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)
- Brie Bella and Paige def. The Irresistible Forces, Charlexa, and Bayley & Lyra (Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match) — NEW Tag Team Champions
- Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee — NEW Intercontinental Champion
- GUNTHER def. Seth Rollins
- Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer — NEW World Champion
- Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton — WWE Championship Retained
- Bianca Belair announced her pregnancy during a surprise appearance.
- Bron Breakker returned, attacking Seth Rollins during his match against GUNTHER.
- Paul Heyman revealed he orchestrated Breakker’s interference against Rollins.
- AJ Lee hinted at a hiatus following her loss to Becky Lynch.
- Paige made her WWE return, capturing the Women’s Tag Team Titles with Brie Bella.
Show Rundown
The Usos & LA Knight vs. The Vision & IShowSpeed
The opening match of WrestleMania 42 Night 1 set the tone for an evening of intense competition. The Usos, alongside LA Knight, took on The Vision’s Logan Paul and Austin Theory, paired with IShowSpeed. The match was a fast-paced affair with high-energy exchanges. The Usos dominated early with their signature super kicks, but the dynamic nature of IShowSpeed allowed him to mount a temporary comeback with a spectacular moonsault. However, Knight secured the victory for his team with a decisive BFT on Austin Theory, marking a triumphant start for the fan favorites.
Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
The unsanctioned match between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre was a brutal showdown that thrilled the Allegiant Stadium crowd. The contest quickly spilled out of the ring, with Fatu utilizing the environment to his advantage, including a suicide dive that took McIntyre by surprise. McIntyre retaliated with a series of punishing maneuvers, including a wrench shot to Fatu’s head. The match’s climax saw Fatu deliver a moonsault through a table, securing a hard-fought victory over the resilient Scottish Warrior.
Bianca Belair’s Pregnancy Announcement
In one of the night’s most heartwarming moments, Bianca Belair returned to WWE television to announce her pregnancy. The crowd erupted as she joined host John Cena in the ring, revealing her happy news alongside her husband, Montez Ford. This emotional announcement added a personal touch to an action-packed evening and left fans buzzing with joy.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way
The Women’s Tag Team Championship match was a highly anticipated Fatal 4-Way featuring The Irresistible Forces, Charlexa, Bayley & Lyra, and the surprise team of Brie Bella and returning Paige. The match was chaotic, with each team looking to secure the titles, but the climax came when Paige, after a long absence from WWE, delivered the Rampaige on Alexa Bliss to capture the championships with Brie Bella. Paige’s return was met with a thunderous ovation, marking a new chapter for the Anti-Diva.
Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee
The Women’s Intercontinental Championship match featured Becky Lynch challenging AJ Lee in what was AJ’s first WrestleMania appearance in over a decade. Lynch, driven by the chance to make history, executed a series of aggressive maneuvers, eventually using the exposed turnbuckle to her advantage. The decisive moment came when Lynch countered AJ’s Black Widow into her finisher, capturing the title and beginning her third reign as champion.
Seth Rollins vs. GUNTHER
The bout between Seth Rollins and GUNTHER was a showcase of physicality and resilience. Rollins displayed his high-flying prowess, but the match took a dramatic turn with the unexpected return of Bron Breakker, who blindsided Rollins with a devastating spear. This interference allowed GUNTHER to capitalize and secure the victory with a sleeper hold. Post-match, Paul Heyman emerged to embrace Breakker, revealing his orchestrated plan against Rollins, setting the stage for future confrontations.
Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Liv Morgan’s quest for the Women’s World Championship culminated in a hard-fought battle against Stephanie Vaquer. The match was fiercely contested, with both women trading significant blows. Roxanne Perez’s timely distraction allowed Morgan to regain control, leading to a thrilling finish where Morgan used her finisher to claim the championship, much to the delight of the crowd.
Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
The night’s main event saw Cody Rhodes defending his WWE Championship against Randy Orton in a match filled with drama and unexpected twists. The involvement of Pat McAfee, who attacked Rhodes before the match officially began, set a chaotic tone. Despite the interference, Rhodes showcased his resilience, ultimately overcoming Orton after a series of high-impact exchanges. Rhodes’ victory was marred by a post-match assault from Orton, who left the champion laying with an RKO and a punt kick.
Standout Performer
The standout performer of the night was undoubtedly Cody Rhodes, who demonstrated incredible tenacity and skill under immense pressure. Despite facing significant interference from Pat McAfee and enduring a brutal post-match attack from Randy Orton, Rhodes retained his WWE Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night 1. His ability to withstand adversity and deliver a compelling performance solidified his status as a top-tier champion.
Analysis
WrestleMania 42 Night 1 was a perfect blend of thrilling matches and captivating storylines, setting a high bar for the weekend’s second night. The main event between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton was a masterclass in storytelling, leveraging their deep history and the unpredictability of McAfee’s involvement to deliver a memorable encounter. Rhodes’ victory, albeit tainted by post-match violence, underscores his resilience and positions him as a formidable champion moving forward.
The return of Bron Breakker was a game-changer, not only impacting the outcome of the Rollins vs. GUNTHER match but also reigniting his feud with Rollins. Paul Heyman’s involvement adds another layer of intrigue, promising a compelling narrative as Breakker aligns with Heyman’s machinations.
In the women’s division, Becky Lynch’s victory over AJ Lee was a significant moment, both in terms of title history and storyline progression. Lynch continues to be a dominant force, and AJ’s hinted hiatus opens the door for new challengers to emerge.
Liv Morgan’s ascension to Women’s World Champion marks a significant milestone in her career. Her victory against Stephanie Vaquer, aided by Roxanne Perez’s distraction, positions her as a central figure in the division. Meanwhile, Paige’s return and immediate impact in the tag team division demonstrate WWE’s commitment to fresh and exciting storytelling.
What Happens Next
Looking ahead, the fallout from WrestleMania 42 Night 1 sets up several intriguing storylines. Cody Rhodes will have to navigate the aftermath of Orton’s attack, potentially setting up a rematch with the Viper. Additionally, the involvement of Pat McAfee suggests that outside interference may continue to play a role in Rhodes’ title defenses.
The rivalry between Seth Rollins and Bron Breakker, now with Paul Heyman pulling the strings, promises to escalate in intensity. Rollins, known for his resilience, will no doubt seek retribution against Breakker, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.
In the women’s division, Becky Lynch’s new reign as Women’s Intercontinental Champion opens the door for fresh challengers, while Liv Morgan’s title win places her at the center of the division’s storylines. Paige’s return and her partnership with Brie Bella introduce new dynamics to the tag team division, and fans will be eager to see how long they can hold onto their newly won gold.
