Cody Survives the Viper’s Sting: Paige’s Epic Return, Triple Title Changes, and Bloody Betrayal Headline WrestleMania 42 Night 1 in Vegas (4-18-26)

Cody Survives the Viper’s Sting: Paige’s Epic Return, Triple Title Changes, and Bloody Betrayal Headline WrestleMania 42 Night 1 in Vegas (4-18-26)

By: Xavier Jones

Headline Photo Credit: WWE

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 — April 18, 2026

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

Attendance: 50,816 

Las Vegas lived up to its reputation as the Entertainment Capital of the World on Saturday night as WWE brought WrestleMania 42 to Allegiant Stadium for the second straight year. Hosted by the iconic John Cena—who kicked things off in a sharp suit, trading pyro and high-fives with the roaring capacity crowd—Night 1 delivered non-stop drama, shocking returns, brutal violence, and three new champions. From a chaotic six-man tag opener to a main event soaked in blood and betrayal, the first night of the two-night spectacular set a blistering pace for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend.

The evening began with a stirring rendition of “God Bless America” by the Las Vegas Mass Choir and a cinematic video package that reminded everyone why WrestleMania remains the grandest stage of them all. But once the bell rang, it was all action.

Opening Six-Man Tag Team Match: LA Knight & The Usos def. The Vision (Logan Paul & Austin Theory) & iShowSpeed

The Usos and “The Megastar” LA Knight rolled up in style—Knight arriving in a custom pickup truck—while The Vision and viral sensation iShowSpeed entered with flashy split-screen theatrics. The match was pure fan-pleasing chaos: super kicks, spears, and Knight’s signature BFT securing the pin on Theory. Post-match, tensions boiled over as Paul turned on Speed, only for the Usos and Knight to set up a table spot. Speed capped it off with a jaw-dropping frog splash from the ring post through the announce table, earning a thunderous ovation. A perfect, high-energy opener that got the Sin City crowd fully invested.

Unsanctioned Match: Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre

This no-rules war lived up to the billing. Weapons flew early—tables, chairs, toolboxes, even a referee’s belt—as Fatu and McIntyre traded power moves and extreme spots around the ringside area. Fatu’s resilience shone through, kicking out of McIntyre’s Claymore and a table crash before delivering a double-jump moonsault through a table for the decisive pin. One of the most physical matches of the night, it positioned Fatu as a legitimate force heading into the future while giving McIntyre a brutal, memorable send-off. 

Fatal Four-Way Tag Team Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Paige & Brie Bella (with Nikki Bella) def. The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend) (c), Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

The biggest pop of the night came when an “injured” Nikki Bella was replaced at the last second—revealing Paige’s shocking in-ring return after nearly eight years away (including a world title run in AEW). The match was a whirlwind of tags, dives, and alliances, with Paige looking every bit the ring general she once was. The finish saw Nikki crack Flair with her crutch during Bliss’ Twisted Bliss attempt, allowing Paige to hit the RamPaige on Bliss for the pin and the titles. A feel-good moment that instantly elevated the women’s tag division and gave the crowd chills. 

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee (c)

Lynch and Lee renewed their heated rivalry in a crisp, hard-hitting affair that featured plenty of referee drama with Jessika Carr. Lynch used every trick in the book—including removing a turnbuckle pad and pulling Carr into the fray—before hitting the Manhandle Slam for the pin and reclaiming the title. A strong mid-card showcase that proved both women still belong at the top of the card. 

Singles Match: Gunther def. Seth Rollins

Easily one of the best matches of the night. Gunther jumped Rollins before the bell, but “The Visionary” fought back with Pedigrees, Stomps, and superplexes. The turning point came when a returning Bron Breakker speared Rollins through the announce table, allowing Gunther to lock in the sleeper for the technical submission victory. Post-match, Breakker continued the assault while Paul Heyman welcomed him back to The Vision on stage. A masterclass in storytelling and in-ring intensity.

WWE Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer (c)

Morgan entered with a full dance production, while Vaquer got a petal-filled spectacle. The two traded stiff strikes and signature moves until Judgment Day’s interference (Roxanne Perez and Raquel Rodriguez) tilted the scales. Morgan capitalized with a Codebreaker and ObLIVion to dethrone Vaquer and capture the Women’s World Championship. Dominik Mysterio joined the celebration, hinting at more drama ahead. 

Main Event — Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) def. Randy Orton (w/ Pat McAfee)

The night’s marquee bout delivered everything fans hoped for—and more. McAfee attacked Rhodes pre-bell with a microphone, but “The American Nightmare” turned the tables, laying out both men. Jelly Roll then delivered a show-stopping elbow through the announce table, sending McAfee out on a stretcher. With the “special referee” sidelined, Rhodes and Orton went to war: backbreakers, draping DDTs, RKOs, Cross Rhodes, and a mid-air RKO counter that had the stadium on its feet. Blood poured from Orton’s forehead after a post-collision. A ref bump led to chaos—McAfee even returned in a neck brace to officiate briefly—before Orton turned on his own ally with an RKO. Rhodes capitalized with a Cross Rhodes to retain.

Post-match, the story wasn’t over. A furious Orton snatched the title, blasted Rhodes with it, and delivered a vicious Punt Kick, standing tall as the show faded to black. The long-time rivals’ feud is far from finished.

Night 1 also saw Bianca Belair return to announce her pregnancy to a massive ovation, adding an emotional layer to the celebration.

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 was a rollercoaster of athleticism, surprises, and storytelling that reminded the world why WWE’s biggest event remains unmatched. Three new champions were crowned, legends returned, and the main event feud exploded in spectacular fashion. Vegas delivered—and Night 2 is poised to be even bigger. The Road to WrestleMania never ends; it only gets more chaotic.