Updated April 18, 2026, 10:00 p.m. ET
The street to WrestleMania is when WWE builds its storylines for the “Showcase of the Immortals,” creating iconic moments that result in must-see matches in the largest present of the yr.
The Undisputed WWE Championship feud was headed in that course earlier this yr, however the polarizing introduction of Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll right into a main-event matchup has been a controversial subject amongst WWE followers in latest weeks.
See: WrestleMania Night 1 live grades, results for every match
Here’s how the McAfee storyline performed out on Saturday evening throughout Night 1 of WrestleMania 42:
McAfee was the primary to make an entrance, flipping double center fingers as he sauntered down the ramp, one thing not many (if anybody) has had license to do since Stone Cold Steve Austin at his peak. Audio additionally picked up McAfee saying “f*** you” to somebody in the group.
Orton introduced some optimistic vitality again into the constructing with his entrance, which obtained the same old sing-along from the 50,000+ in Allegiant Stadium.
Rhodes obtained an prolonged entrance which options close-ups of 4 mannequins carrying his gear from his many character adjustments all through his lengthy WWE profession.
McAfee took the mic from ring announcer Alicia Taylor to offer his personal Paul Heyman-style intro – which could not actually examine to the WWE legend.
Before referee Charles Robinson signaled for the bell to ring, McAfee attacked Rhodes with his microphone. Rhodes rallied and hit a Cross Rhodes on McAfee, then dragged McAfee onto an announce desk to pummel him. Jell Roll appeared at ringside and jumped from one announce desk to the opposite, driving an elbow by means of McAfee and the desk.
Jelly Roll yelled at Rhodes to offer the followers what they got here for, and medical employees rolled out a gurney to take away an injured McAfee from the realm. McAfee capped his efficiency by elevating a center finger from the gurney.
This could also be WWE’s method of extracting McAfee from the remainder of the present and giving us a match, however I’ve a sense McAfee will not be accomplished on Saturday.
[UPDATE]: And, certainly, McAfee wasn’t accomplished. Late in the match, after taking a watch gouge to the face from Rhodes, Orton hit a stunning RKO on referee Charles Robinson, taking him out of the match.
Rhodes went for a high-risk Cody Cutter off the highest rope which was countered by a mid-air RKO, and McAfee – dressed in a referee outfit – got here sprinting to the ring to depend the pinfall, however Rhodes kicked out at two.
Seemingly fed up with McAfee, Orton hit an RKO on his supposed ally, giving Rhodes sufficient time to get better and hit a remaining Cross Rhodes. Robinson recovered in time to depend the pin, and Rhodes retains his title.
