WWE Champion Cody Rhodes’ bloody WrestleMania injury may be worse than originally thought

The grueling injury suffered by Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 42 in his match against Randy Orton might be even worse than thought (and it looks).

BodySlam+ (via the Wrestling Observer) reports that Rhodes was “busted open in multiple places,” had his eye swollen shut, and required “multiple staples” on his head after the injuries were suffered.

Rhodes isn’t currently cleared for action in WWE following the match. It’s unknown when he will be ready to make a comeback to the ring.

How did Cody Rhodes suffer his injury at WWE WrestleMania 42?

In the main event of Night 1 of WrestleMania 42, Rhodes took on Orton. While he successfully defended the Undisputed WWE Championship, he came out with ailments.

It was a very physical match. Neither Rhodes nor Orton held back, and the “American Nightmare” was bloodied throughout the affair.

Rhodes is still the champion. It’s unknown if Rhodes and Orton’s feud will continue. More than likely, it will, as Orton ended Night 1 by standing tall over Rhodes despite losing. He hit Rhodes with a punt kick, a move he rarely breaks out.

WrestleMania is WWE’s biggest event of the year. It’d be understandable if Rhodes has to take some time off following the event. The next PLE isn’t until Backlash on May 9.

Currently, Rhodes is in the midst of his third reign as Undisputed WWE Champion. He recently won the title back from Drew McIntyre during the Mar. 6, 2026, edition of Friday Night SmackDown.

Rhodes and Orton have a lot of history. During Rhodes’ early days on the WWE main roster, he was part of the Legacy faction. Orton was the leader of the group, which featured other multi-generational wrestlers. Rhodes and Ted DiBiase Jr. were the other main members of the faction. The faction would eventually face in a triple threat match at WrestleMania 26.

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