Cody Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, but the victory came at a significant cost. The champion suffered a severe eye injury and concussion during his main event match against Randy Orton on night one.
Rhodes defeated Orton in a hard-fought showdown to keep his title, but the closing moments turned brutal. Late in the bout, Orton countered a Cody Cutter attempt with a perfectly timed RKO, halting Rhodes' momentum.
When cameras returned to Rhodes moments later, he was visibly busted open with blood pouring from his face. Despite the damage, the champion managed to regroup and connected with the Cross Rhodes to secure the victory.
Post-Match Attack Escalates Damage
The punishment continued after the bell. Orton snapped, striking Rhodes with the championship belt before delivering a vicious punt kick that left the champion laid out in the ring.
Post-show footage showed Rhodes being evaluated by medical personnel with his left eye swollen completely shut. The severity of the injury became clear as WWE pulled him from his scheduled appearance at WWE World on Sunday.
Peter Rosenberg noted during post-show coverage that Rhodes is expected to undergo concussion protocol, according to WrestlingHeadlines.
