BodySlam

Tag: Randy Orton

  • The Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition

    The Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition

    Night 1 of Wrestlemania is in the books and.. is it me or did it seem short? Just me? I don’t know. Maybe you have a different opinion than me. Welcome to the Wrestlemania Rundown: The Cody Edition. Where I give my thoughts and opinions and you either agree or disagree. Let’s get into it!

    As I stated above this show felt very short and very rushed. Little wrestling and more commercials than anything. The matches were okay and very up and down. So let’s break it down.

    The show started with a pop, the host of Wrestlemania John Cena. Now when this was announced I was intrigued and excited. I’ve always been a big fan of John Cena. But it felt. Odd. I hope he is able to do more on night 2 because I mean come on.. it’s Cena.

    Then, it’s the first match of the night. The 6 man tag team match between The Uso’s and LA Knight (yeah) VS Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and…. Speed. Now I will say. I was somewhat pleased with Speed’s performance. I’m interested to see what he does further. Especially with a possible program with Logan Paul after Paul attacked Speed. Overall I was very happy with LA Knight getting the win for his team. Rating: 7/10

    Then we had Jacob Fatu VS Drew McIntyre. This match was chaos. I was happy with it but not much to say. Rating: 8/10

    Next we had the Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4 Way with the return of Paige. I’ll be honest. I just didn’t feel it. It was okay. My favorite part was Paige returning. However them winning the titles? I disagree with. I believe it should’ve been Bayley and Lyra. Rating: 4/10

    Next we had Becky VS AJ for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. Part of me wanted so much more from this match. It was cool. Sure, but their Elimination Chamber match was way better than what this was. However, I believe the result was the right call. Rating: 6/10

    Up next we had my personal match of the night. Rollins VS Gunther. This match was everything I expected it to be. Even with hardly any story, it was match of the night material, possibly match of the weekend. The beginning portion was great and the ending was great as well. I wish it would’ve been a clean finish, but when you throw in Breakker it only makes sense. Gunther winning was the right call to save his character and value. I look forward to what’s next for the both of these guys. Rating: 9/10

    Vaquer VS Liv… I wanted so much more. The build was good, everything about this screamed potential main event. Ultimately, this match should’ve been in the middle. Liv’s entrance? Scared me. Corey Graves learning her dance? Even scarier. This match had so much potential but was such a let down. Liv winning was a great choice though. I just hope Vaquer doesn’t get lost in the shuffle now. Rating: 6/10

    Very happy for Bianca and Montez!

    The main event, I was looking forward to this match. Cody’s entrance in my opinion was entrance of the night. Everything about it was perfect. It told the story of who he is. Jelly Roll putting Pat through a table made me laugh out loud. But I had more questions than answers coming out of this match. Why did Randy RKO Pat? Did Cody tease a heel turn with the low blow? Is Orton actually hurt? If this was their plan.. then congrats! You’ve done it for me. Overall I thought this match was great until Pat came back out. This was up there with the Jacob and Drew fight for me. Rating: 8/10

    Overall, night 1 of Wrestlemania felt very very rushed and didn’t feel like Wrestlemania. I felt like I was watching a overhyped normal PPV. Maybe they did this to make night 2 look better? I sure hope that’s the case. If I was WWE I would look at the comments on social media and figure out how to fix night 2. Because they have less than 19 hours to fix it. Overall rating: 6/10

    Stay up to date with all things Wrestlemania 42 throughout the weekend via Bodyslam.net and Bodyslam.net social media.

  • WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Results – April 18, 2026

    WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Results – April 18, 2026

    On April 18, 2026 WWE aired the 1st night of the 42nd annual WrestleMania live in Las Vegas Nevada inside Allegiant Stadium & can watch it on ESPN (United States) & Netflix (Everywhere else).

    6 Man Tag Team Match
    The Usos (Jimmy & Jey) & LA Knight defeated World Tag Team Champions The Vision (Austin Theory & Logan Paul) & IShowSpeed via BFT on Theory (7:08)

    Unsanctioned Match
    Jacob Fatu defeated Drew McIntyre via Mighty Moonsault (14:09)

    Women’s Tag Team Titles Fatal 4 Way Match
    Brie Bella & Paige defeated Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, Lyra Valkyria & Bayley & The Irresistible Forces (Lash Legend & Nia Jax) (c) via RamPaige on Bliss (8:33) (NEW CHAMPIONS!!!!)

    Women’s Intercontinental Title Match
    Becky Lynch defeated AJ Lee (c) via Manhandle Slam (8:15) (NEW CHAMPION!!!!)

    Gunther defeated Seth Rollins via Sleeper Hold (17:52) (Recommend)

    Women’s World Title Match
    2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer (c) via ObLIVion (9:00) (NEW CHAMPION!!!!)

    Undisputed WWE Title Match
    Cody Rhodes (c) defeated Randy Orton via Cross Rhodes (STILL CHAMPION!!!!)

  • WrestleMania: Cody Rhodes Retains, Randy Orton Stands Tall

    WrestleMania: Cody Rhodes Retains, Randy Orton Stands Tall

    WrestleMania Night 1 ended with Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Undisputed Championship against Randy Orton. And of course, this got out of control before the match even began.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnet/status/2045675442493899041?s=46

    Cody Rhodes was attacked during the match announcements when Pat McAfee hit him in the head with the microphone. Orton then pounced on the attack. But, Cody fought back. Cody then beat Pat McAfee up and took him to the outside. Jelly Roll then showed up from the crowd, and put Pat through the announcers table.

    After Pat was taken out on a stretcher, the bell rang and the match actually began. Randy Orton was busted open early on, and then things just kept getting crazier. Both men traded each others finishers, Orton then RKO’d the referee, and Pat McAfee made his way back down with a referee shirt on and a neck brace.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnet/status/2045682071100596280?s=46

    When Randy couldn’t get the match done, he RKO’d Pat, but then walked right into a cross-Rhodes and Cody Rhodes picks up the win. After the match, Randy Orton hit Cody with the WWE Championship, and then punted him. Orton stood tall over Cody to end the show.

    https://x.com/bodyslamnet/status/2045682669967602013?s=46

  • WrestleMania 42 Night 1: My Predictions & Picks

    WrestleMania 42 Night 1: My Predictions & Picks

    WrestleMania 42 kicks off Saturday night from Allegiant Stadium, continuing WWE’s two-night format in the modern era. Eight championship matches are spread across the weekend, with Night 1 headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the undisputed WWE championship against Randy Orton.

    There’s a lot on paper here. Some of it feels big. Some of it feels… a little overthought.

    ⸻

    Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

    This is one of those matches that should feel like a can’t-miss clash. Seth Rollins needs momentum badly if WWE still wants fans to buy into The Vision. Injuries have gutted that group, and right now it feels like it’s hanging on by a thread. Meanwhile, Gunther has almost become a victim of his own booking — the “legend killer” role has boxed him in creatively.

    Pick: Rollins 

    ⸻

    Women’s World Championship — Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

    Stephanie Vaquer has been great in the ring, no question. But this feels like it’s been building toward Liv Morgan reclaiming the spotlight ever since her return. Add in potential chaos from Raquel Rodriguez or even Roxanne Perez, and it feels like the title is changing hands.

    Pick: Morgan 

    ⸻

    Logan Paul, Austin Theory & IShowSpeed vs. The Usos & LA Knight

    The celebrity presence is here again, with IShowSpeed stepping into the spotlight. He’ll probably do fine athletically, but this is more about energy than anything. The USO’s and LA Knight feel like the right call to get the crowd going early. On the other side, Logan Paul and Austin Theoy feel stuck in limbo right now.

    Pick: The Usos & LA Knight 

    ⸻

    Women’s Intercontinental Championship — AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

    It’s been cool seeing AJ Lee back in the mix, but this run never felt built to last. One defense heading into WrestleMania doesn’t exactly scream “fighting champion.” Becky Lynch brings consistency, and honestly, this title needs that right now.

    Pick: Lynch

    ⸻

    Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)

    Drew McIntyre is exactly who he’s going to be at this point — a reliable main-event-level heel. That’s not a knock, it’s just reality. Jacob Fatu, though, still has upside to tap into. If WWE is serious about getting him back into a top program, he needs this win.

    Pick: Fatu

    ⸻

    Women’s Tag Team Championship — Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. ____ & Brie Bella

    This is a lot going on in one match. Bayley and Lyra feel like the only team that actually needs this. The champs haven’t clicked, Flair and Bliss already got what they needed, and the Bellas feel like a short-term play, especially with Nikki being unable to compete. Who will Brie’s mystery partner be? 

    Pick: Bayley & Valkyria

    ⸻

    Undisputed WWE Championship — Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

    This should feel bigger than it does. That’s probably the best way to sum it up. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton is a story that writes itself, but it’s gotten lost in the shuffle a bit with all the outside noise and crossover elements.

    It almost feels like the result isn’t the endgame — just a setup for whatever comes next, whether that’s tag matches, celebrity involvement, or another twist. Still, giving Orton one more title run has some appeal.

    Pick: Orton 

    ⸻

    Final Thoughts

    There’s a lot to like on this card, but it’s also a mixed bag. Some matches feel meaningful, others feel like placeholders for bigger ideas down the line. That’s kind of where WWE is at right now — big moments, but sometimes at the cost of clean storytelling.

    Night 1 should deliver in-ring. The question is whether it actually sticks once it’s over.

  • Randy Orton Wants To Retire With More Gold Than Anyone Else

    Randy Orton Wants To Retire With More Gold Than Anyone Else

    Randy Orton is set to headline Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 on Saturday night. On that event, he will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship.

    Randy Orton is already a 14 time world champion. But now, he’s closing in on becoming a 15 time world champion and inching closer to beating John Cena’s 17 world championship reigns. When asked by Wade Barrett what he’s driven by, it was of course, legacy.

    ”Oh, I’m driven by legacy, Wade. But, I think that everything in life, especially everything here, has at least a little bit of personal to it. I mean, everything’s person for me. When you come down to it, you look at the history of Cody and I, and it’s every bit personal. Our history, I don’t know if I have a history with any other WWE Superstar more than I have with Cody Rhodes. But, in this particular moment, what’s driving me is legacy because I realize, Wade, that nothing lasts forever. I want to rack up as many points as I can on the board before the time comes that I hang up the boots. Next thing on the list for me to accomplish is that 15th world championship. Then, I beat Triple H. And then I’ve got Ric Flair and John Cena in my sights. My goal is to leave this company one day, with more world championship gold around my waist than any other competitor that has ever stepped foot into a WWE ring.”

    Randy Orton gets one step closer to that if he can defeat Cody Rhodes this Saturday night. If he can do that, he’s on the path to having the greatest legacy in WWE history.

    You can see the full interview with Randy Orton below. If you use any of the transcription above, please h/t Bodyslam.net

  • Main Event Hijack: Pat McAfee Disrupts WrestleMania Story

    Main Event Hijack: Pat McAfee Disrupts WrestleMania Story

    There is a difference between heat and rejection. Right now, what Pat McAfee is getting ahead of WrestleMania does not feel like the kind WWE is hoping for.

    McAfee is charismatic, recognizable and has proven he can deliver in big moments. But this is not just another segment or celebrity cameo. It is not even a vehicle to push a product. This is the main event scene of WrestleMania, and fans are pushing back, not quietly either. To them, this is not adding to the story. It is replacing it.

    The story fans were invested in

    For months, the emotional core of this build has centered on Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton. Twenty years of history does not require much setup. At its best, the feud felt layered, personal and rooted in that history. It felt like a WrestleMania main event should feel: earned.

    That is why the frustration is so loud.

    McAfee’s insertion does not feel like a twist that enhances the narrative. It feels like a pivot that interrupts it. Instead of deepening the conflict between Rhodes and Orton, the focus shifts outward to a personality who was not part of the journey fans were following. Once that shift happens, it is hard to ignore.

    When the reveal is not worth the build

    Mystery angles live and die by their payoff. They can elevate a story or derail it. Wrestling fans will buy in, speculate and debate for weeks if the reveal delivers.

    This one did not.

    The reaction was not explosive or satisfying. It was confusion, followed by disappointment. Not because McAfee is incapable, but because the role he stepped into felt larger than what fans believed he should occupy. Expectations matter, and WWE set them high.

    The “main character” problem

    There is an unspoken rule in wrestling: the biggest matches should belong to the wrestlers who carried the story.

    Rhodes and Orton.

    Right now, it does not feel that way. Instead of standing at the center, they are part of a story that increasingly revolves around McAfee’s motives, promos and presence. The gravity of the main event has shifted, and not in a way that elevates the people it is supposed to.

    For a fan base that has spent years asking for long-term storytelling and payoff, that is a tough pill to swallow.

    It feels too corporate, not organic

    Modern fans are more aware than ever. They understand media deals, cross-promotion and branding. That awareness is working against this angle.

    McAfee is more than a commentator who wrestles occasionally. He is a major media figure with ties outside WWE. When he becomes central to the biggest storyline of the year, it does not feel accidental. It feels strategic, and not in a storytelling sense.

    That perception breaks immersion. Instead of asking what happens next, fans start asking why this is happening at all.

    The promo that made it worse

    If there was a chance to win fans over, it likely depended on McAfee’s delivery.

    Instead, going off script, his tone criticizing the product, calling out the fan base and positioning himself above the current landscape had the opposite effect. The following week, WWE then proceeded to double down, and produce another promo where Pat’s “huge announcement” was that WrestleMania 42 tickets would be 25% off for that weekend. It’s also very hypocritical writing. Nothing says “we don’t care about your feelings” like a pathetic begging of “please buy our tickets, here’s a coupon!” 

    Wrestling fans will embrace a villain, but there is a line between playing a heel and sounding dismissive of the audience. Right now, that line feels blurred.

    WrestleMania is not the place for this experiment

    This might work elsewhere. A SummerSlam angle, a Royal Rumble twist or a long-term story could have potential.

    But WrestleMania is different.

    It is where stories are meant to pay off, not pivot. It is the culmination, where full-time stars carry the weight of the biggest matches and the audience expects resolution.

    That is why this feels off.

    It is not about McAfee, it is about timing

    This is not a rejection of McAfee as a performer. I have been a fan of his since his outlandish days as a punter for the Indianapolis Colts. I have followed his media path since his podcast was out of the back of a box truck. With Pat, he has proven he belongs in WWE in some capacity. He is entertaining, committed and understands the business. We get that.

    But this moment feels misplaced.

    Fans do not want to see this spot given to someone who was not part of the climb, especially when the people who were are still there.

    The bottom line

    Fans are rejecting this because it feels like a detour at the worst possible time.

    They wanted Rhodes vs. Orton to stand on its own. They wanted the story they invested in to reach a natural conclusion. They wanted WrestleMania’s main event to feel like the culmination of everything that came before it.

    Instead, they got something else.

    In wrestling, sometimes that says more than any reaction ever could.

  • Cody Rhodes Invades Pat McAfee’s Studio, Takes WWE Undisputed Championship Back

    Cody Rhodes Invades Pat McAfee’s Studio, Takes WWE Undisputed Championship Back

    Cody Rhodes is fired up heading into WrestleMania 42 and he’s getting some revenge on Pat McAfee during the process. Today, Pat McAfee had his Pat McAfee Show live from his studio in which he calls “The Thunder Dome”, which airs live across several platforms.

    During the broadcast, Pat explained that last night after the Thunder Dome was closed and being cleaned, Cody Rhodes broke in and smashed a portrait of Pat and Randy Orton, broke his laptop and stole back his WWE Undisputed Championship. Luckily, Pat has cameras everywhere and had footage of the wreckage.

    https://x.com/patmcafeeshow/status/2044446862141251614?s=46

    Last week on SmackDown, Randy Orton, alongside Pat McAfee, beat up Cody Rhodes and Jelly Roll and laid them both out. Pat then took Cody’s WWE Undisputed Championship and left with it. Following SmackDown, Pat McAfee was shown on his show with the WWE Undisputed Championship on his shoulder, parading it around and calling it Randy Orton’s title.

    Now, Cody Rhodes has his gold back and will walk into WrestleMania with the championship around his waist. Randy Orton will challenge Cody Rhodes for the WWE Undisputed Championship in the main event on Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, this Saturday, April 18.

    Stay tuned for more coverage during WrestleMania week and of course, for the two big shows this weekend.

  • Legendary Wrestling Rivalries That Changed the History of the Ring

    Legendary Wrestling Rivalries That Changed the History of the Ring

    Legendary Wrestling Rivalries That Changed the History of the Ring

    Professional wrestling has always thrived on storytelling. While championship belts and spectacular moves capture attention, the true heartbeat of the industry lies in unforgettable rivalries. These intense battles between iconic performers create drama, emotion, and moments that fans remember for decades. Today, wrestling enthusiasts follow matches across television, streaming platforms, and digital communities where discussions, predictions, and promotions often circulate. Some fans even encounter offers like a 4Rabet promo code while exploring entertainment platforms, reflecting how modern wrestling culture blends live events with online engagement. However, long before digital platforms amplified fan interaction, legendary rivalries were already shaping the history of the ring.

    These rivalries were more than scripted confrontations — they were cultural moments that defined eras, built superstars, and transformed wrestling into global entertainment.

    Hulk Hogan vs. Andre the Giant

    Few rivalries captured the imagination of wrestling fans like the clash between Hulk Hogan and Andre the Giant. During the 1980s, Hogan was the embodiment of the heroic champion — charismatic, powerful, and beloved by fans worldwide. Andre the Giant, meanwhile, was known as the unstoppable giant, a figure of mythic proportions.

    Their rivalry reached its peak at WrestleMania III. The match drew massive attention because it featured two of the most recognizable figures in wrestling history. When Hogan famously lifted and slammed Andre in front of a massive crowd, the moment became one of the most iconic scenes in sports entertainment.

    This rivalry helped solidify wrestling’s popularity in mainstream culture and demonstrated how powerful storytelling could elevate a match into a historic spectacle.

    Stone Cold Steve Austin vs. Vince McMahon

    Unlike traditional wrestler-versus-wrestler rivalries, the conflict between Stone Cold Steve Austin and Vince McMahon introduced a new dynamic: rebellious employee versus authoritarian boss. Their feud became the defining storyline of the late 1990s during the explosive “Attitude Era.”

    Austin represented the anti-hero — a rebellious figure who refused to follow authority. McMahon played the role of the controlling corporate executive determined to maintain order. Week after week, their confrontations produced shocking moments, comedic segments, and unforgettable battles.

    This rivalry resonated with audiences because it reflected real-world frustrations with authority and workplace power structures. Fans cheered wildly as Austin defied his boss, smashed beer cans in the ring, and disrupted corporate control.

    The Austin–McMahon storyline helped wrestling achieve record-breaking television ratings and played a crucial role in transforming the industry into a global entertainment powerhouse.

    The Rock vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin

    If the Austin–McMahon feud defined rebellion, the rivalry between The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin defined competition at its highest level. These two charismatic superstars represented opposing personalities and styles.

    The Rock dazzled audiences with his electrifying charisma, sharp wit, and unmatched microphone skills. Austin, meanwhile, embodied raw intensity and rebellious attitude. Whenever these two shared the ring, the atmosphere became electric.

    Their trilogy of matches at WrestleMania events is widely considered among the greatest series of encounters in wrestling history. Each match carried enormous stakes and emotional investment from fans.

    This rivalry demonstrated how compelling personalities and storytelling could elevate professional wrestling into a form of dramatic theater.

    The Undertaker vs. Shawn Michaels

    Few wrestling rivalries achieved the dramatic intensity of The Undertaker versus Shawn Michaels. Their confrontations combined athletic excellence with cinematic storytelling.

    The Undertaker, known for his supernatural persona and legendary undefeated streak at WrestleMania, faced Shawn Michaels — one of the most technically gifted performers in wrestling history. Their matches were not just contests; they were epic narratives about pride, legacy, and redemption.

    Their encounter at WrestleMania XXV is often praised as one of the greatest wrestling matches ever performed. The bout showcased breathtaking athleticism, emotional storytelling, and suspense that kept audiences captivated.

    The following year, their rematch added even greater stakes when Michaels risked his career in pursuit of victory. The emotional conclusion demonstrated how wrestling rivalries could deliver powerful storytelling comparable to blockbuster films.

    Bret Hart vs. Shawn Michaels

    Some rivalries extend beyond scripted storylines and reflect genuine personal conflict. The tension between Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels became one of the most controversial chapters in wrestling history.

    Both performers were elite athletes and passionate competitors, but their personalities often clashed behind the scenes. This tension culminated in the infamous Montreal Screwjob during a championship match.

    The event shocked fans and blurred the lines between scripted entertainment and real-life conflict. While controversial, it reshaped how audiences viewed wrestling storylines and backstage politics.

    Over time, the rivalry evolved into one of the most discussed moments in wrestling history, highlighting the complex relationships within the industry.

    John Cena vs. Randy Orton

    Moving into the 2000s, the rivalry between John Cena and Randy Orton represented the clash of two new-generation superstars. Cena became the heroic face of the company, while Orton embraced the role of the calculating antagonist.

    Their battles spanned several years and numerous championship matches. Fans watched as both competitors evolved, adapting their strategies and personas to maintain dominance.

    The longevity of this rivalry demonstrated how sustained storytelling could keep audiences invested over multiple eras. Their matches became staples of major events and helped define modern wrestling.

    Why Rivalries Matter in Wrestling

    Wrestling rivalries are powerful because they transform individual matches into long-term narratives. They give audiences emotional investment and create heroes and villains that fans passionately support.

    A great rivalry typically includes:

    • Strong contrasting personalities
    • High emotional stakes
    • Memorable confrontations
    • Unexpected twists in storytelling
    • Climactic matches that deliver satisfying conclusions

    When these elements come together, rivalries become legendary.

    The Lasting Legacy of Wrestling Feuds

    Legendary rivalries leave a lasting impact not only on the performers involved but also on the entire wrestling industry. They inspire new generations of wrestlers, influence storytelling techniques, and create unforgettable moments that fans continue to celebrate years later.

    From the spectacle of Hogan versus Andre to the rebellious drama of Austin versus McMahon and the athletic masterpieces of Undertaker versus Michaels, these rivalries Even as the industry continues to evolve with new stars and digital platforms, the essence of wrestling remains rooted in powerful rivalries. Fans today follow matches, discuss predictions, and explore related entertainment experiences across many online spaces. Platforms such as 4rabet.game are part of this broader digital ecosystem where sports and entertainment audiences gather, keeping the excitement of competition alive beyond the ring.