The first night of WWE WrestleMania 42 delivered everything fans expect from wrestling's grandest stage — drama, athleticism, and moments that transcend the sport itself.

Cody Rhodes emerged victorious in the main event against Randy Orton, capping off an evening that saw the Las Vegas crowd witness two major returns and one announcement that shifted the night's tone from competition to celebration.

Rhodes Prevails in Main Event Showdown

The headline match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton lived up to its billing, with Rhodes ultimately securing the victory. According to The Sun's coverage, the finish came amid controversy when Orton delivered his signature RKO to commentator Pat McAfee just before the match concluded — a moment that added an unexpected twist to an already intense rivalry.

The Rhodes-Orton feud has been building for months, rooted in both men's legacy as second-generation wrestlers and their contrasting paths through WWE. Rhodes, who returned to the company after a highly publicized departure, has positioned himself as the face of WWE's new era, while Orton represents the continuity of its recent past.

Belair's Pregnancy Announcement Steals Hearts

Perhaps the most emotional moment of the evening came when Bianca Belair, one of WWE's most prominent female superstars, announced she is expecting her first child. The announcement brought the Las Vegas crowd to its feet in a standing ovation that momentarily transformed the arena from a battleground into a celebration space.

Belair, known for her athletic prowess and signature hair-whip finishing move, has been a cornerstone of WWE's women's division since her main roster debut. Her pregnancy means she'll be stepping away from in-ring competition, though the company has not yet announced how her absence will be written into ongoing storylines.

The timing of the announcement at WrestleMania — WWE's equivalent of the Super Bowl — underscores both Belair's importance to the company and the evolving nature of how professional wrestling handles real-life moments within its scripted framework.

Surprise Returns Electrify the Crowd

Night one also featured two major returns that sent shockwaves through the audience, though specific details about which wrestlers made their comebacks were not disclosed in initial reports. WrestleMania has historically served as the stage for shocking returns, from Stone Cold Steve Austin to The Rock, and these moments often become the most-replayed clips in wrestling history.

Returns at WrestleMania carry particular weight because they're seen by the largest possible audience — both live and through streaming platforms — and often signal the beginning of major storylines that will unfold over the coming months.

The Las Vegas Spectacular Continues

WrestleMania 42 marks the event's return to a two-night format, which WWE has maintained since the pandemic forced changes to the 2020 event. The extended format allows for more matches, more storylines, and — crucially for fans — prevents the marathon fatigue that plagued single-night WrestleManias that stretched past six hours.

Las Vegas, hosting its first WrestleMania since the event was held at the Allegiant Stadium in 2023, provides the perfect backdrop for WWE's blend of athletic competition and entertainment spectacle. The city's infrastructure for large-scale events and its reputation as an entertainment capital make it an ideal recurring location for the company's flagship event.

Night two promises additional marquee matches and potential surprises, as WWE looks to maintain the momentum generated by the opening evening's combination of in-ring action and genuine human moments that reminded fans why they invest emotionally in these larger-than-life characters.

For Belair, the announcement represents a new chapter that extends beyond the ring. For Rhodes, the victory over Orton cements his position at the top of WWE's hierarchy. And for the fans who traveled to Las Vegas or tuned in worldwide, night one delivered the mix of athleticism, storytelling, and unexpected moments that define WrestleMania at its best.