Concerns about Cody Rhodes’ championship status following Randy Orton’s brutal post-match attack at WrestleMania 42 Night One can be put to rest — for now. According to Bodyslam+, Rhodes is not expected to relinquish the Undisputed WWE Championship, with the company continuing to monitor his health in the days ahead of SmackDown.
Rhodes was pulled from his scheduled WWE World meet-and-greet appearance on Sunday following the injuries he sustained during and after the main event. WWE posted an official cancellation notice — “Due to injuries sustained at WrestleMania, Cody Rhodes is no longer able to make it to WWE World. Unfortunately, this means your photo op and/or autograph have been cancelled.” The cancellation naturally led to speculation about whether the severity of his condition might force a title change or vacating of the championship.
Cody Rhodes Left WrestleMania 42 With His Eye Swollen Shut and Was Placed in Concussion Protocol After Orton’s Punt
Rhodes was busted open during the match, had his eye completely swollen shut by the post-show, and was confirmed to be in concussion protocol following Peter Rosenberg’s report on the WrestleMania 42 post-show. Orton’s punt kick in the post-match — a callback to their long history — provided the story’s next chapter while raising genuine medical concerns about the champion’s condition. WWE monitoring him heading into SmackDown suggests the next television chapter of his reign is still on course, health permitting.
