LAS VEGAS – Cody Rhodes stands on the precipice of wrestling history, poised to headline WrestleMania 42 for the fourth consecutive year. The 40-year-old Undisputed WWE Champion will face Randy Orton in a main event brimming with personal history and championship implications at Allegiant Stadium on April 6 and 7. This isn’t simply another title defense; it’s the culmination of a remarkable career arc for Rhodes, a journey from mid-card competitor to the face of WWE’s post-John Cena era.
Rhodes’ ascent hasn’t been linear. After a first run with WWE from 2007 to 2016, largely defined by tag team competition and supporting roles, he forged a new identity on the independent circuit and in All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His triumphant return to WWE at WrestleMania 38 in 2022, defeating Seth Rollins, signaled a turning point. Since then, Rhodes has consistently occupied the main event scene, overcoming formidable opponents like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns. Now, he faces a challenge unlike any other: a deeply personal rivalry with a man who helped shape his career, Randy Orton.
Cody Rhodes has a lot of history with Randy Orton, who he’ll defend his title against in the main event at WrestleMania 42. (Photo by Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images)
The narrative surrounding this match extends far beyond championship gold. Rhodes described the dynamic with Orton as “as real as it gets,” drawing a parallel to his previous WrestleMania main event against John Cena. “Last year was similar, whereas I always referred to John Cena a little bit as the angel on my shoulder, and Randy Orton as the devil on the other shoulder,” Rhodes said in a recent interview. “These were two guys who literally were so formative and shaping for me as I came up and teaching me and different methods.”
A Legacy Forged in Competition
The roots of this rivalry run deep. Rhodes and Orton were once stablemates in Legacy, a faction also featuring Ted DiBiase, in the late 2000s. Rhodes’ WWE debut came in 2007, with his first televised match against Orton. WWE’s official website details Rhodes’ early career, highlighting his initial struggles to establish himself as a singles competitor. Following Legacy’s dissolution, Rhodes and Orton clashed in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 26, also involving Triple H, and later engaged in a singles feud in 2011. These early encounters laid the groundwork for the complex relationship that defines their current storyline.
Orton’s pursuit of a 15th world title adds another layer to the contest. He hasn’t held a championship since 2020, and a victory at WrestleMania 42 would bring him closer to John Cena’s record of 16 world title reigns. Adding to the intrigue, Orton has embraced his “Viper” persona, a menacing character he popularized in 2009, much to the delight of fans. Despite being positioned as the heel (villain) in the feud, Orton has received significant crowd support, fueled by his aggressive tactics, including recent attacks on Rhodes and Matt Cardona during episodes of SmackDown.
Beyond the Ring: A New Era for WWE
Rhodes believes WrestleMania 42 represents a pivotal moment for WWE, signaling a shift towards a new generation of stars. “I think this sets the tone for WWE moving forward,” he stated. Alongside the main event showdown between Rhodes and Orton, WrestleMania will feature Roman Reigns versus CM Punk, and rising stars like Oba Femi facing Brock Lesnar and Trick Williams competing for the United States Championship. This blend of established veterans and emerging talent underscores WWE’s commitment to both honoring its past and building its future.
Cody Rhodes with his exclusive Drumstick flavor, Red, White and Blueberry.
Drumstick
A Sweet Partnership: Rhodes and Drumstick
Rhodes’ influence extends beyond the wrestling ring. He has partnered with Drumstick for a limited-edition ice cream flavor, “Red, White & Blueberry,” set to launch exclusively at Walmart on April 6. According to a press release from Drumstick, the flavor features strawberry frozen dessert with a blueberry sauce core and a white confectionary coating – a departure from the brand’s traditional chocolate. This collaboration marks the second year of Drumstick’s partnership with TKO, WWE’s parent company, following a similar promotion with John Cena last year.
“I’m remarkably excited for Drumstick: Red, White and Blueberry,” Rhodes said. “It’s white chocolate on the top, and that’s the first time somebody has gotten their own flavor.” He recounted consuming 11 Drumsticks during the commercial shoot, highlighting his enthusiasm for the partnership. For Rhodes, these ventures – the action figures, the video games, and now the ice cream flavor – represent a “smell the roses” moment, a chance to appreciate the broader impact of his career.
Looking Ahead
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the anticipation surrounding the Rhodes-Orton matchup continues to build. Stephanie McMahon recently cautioned Rhodes about the challenge he faces, referencing Orton’s ruthless form from 2009. Rhodes acknowledged the history, noting that if Orton replicates his past dominance, “the history might repeat itself here.”
The next confirmed event is WrestleMania 42, taking place on April 6 and 7 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Fans can find more information about the event, including the full match card and ticket details, on WWE’s official website.
The stakes are high, the history is undeniable, and the future of WWE may well be shaped by the outcome of this deeply personal and highly anticipated championship clash.
What are your predictions for the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow wrestling fans!
