At WrestleMania 42, Cody Rhodes faced Randy Orton in a highly anticipated match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Despite expectations that Orton would claim his 15th world title with assistance from former NFL player Pat McAfee, Rhodes triumphed after a chaotic encounter. Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicated that McAfee's withdrawal from the storyline was influenced by negative fan feedback and frustrations among WWE talent. The match saw McAfee attack Rhodes before the bell, but Rhodes fought back, ultimately securing victory with a Cross Rhodes after distracting Orton. Following the match, Orton retaliated by attacking Rhodes with the championship belt and delivering a punt kick to conclude the event. Orton later credited Vince McMahon for safeguarding the integrity of his finishing move, the RKO, during his early career, emphasizing its importance in his wrestling persona.