Summary

Ric Flair gave high praise to Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton after their WrestleMania 42 main event on Saturday, calling the match one of the best he has seen in recent years.

Rhodes retained the Undisputed WWE Title in the headline bout, finishing Orton with Cross Rhodes after Orton had dropped Pat McAfee with an RKO. As their WrestleMania 42 main event ended in chaos, the aftermath left the program with plenty of heat even after the bell.

Ric Flair's reaction to Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton

Flair reacted publicly after the match and made clear he was impressed by both men rather than focusing only on the result.

"One of the greatest matches I've seen in the last few years. Congrats to Cody Rhodes, but there is no winner or loser. Randy Orton, you were spectacular. You both represent so well at the highest level. I have so much respect for you both!"

What the WrestleMania 42 finish means for Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton

Flair's reaction adds another layer of validation to a match WWE positioned as a major WrestleMania main event, especially with Rhodes leaving the ring as champion but Orton standing tall after the bout. That split outcome gives WWE room to keep the rivalry alive if it wants to follow the title result with one more chapter.

For Rhodes, praise tied to a WrestleMania title defense helps reinforce his standing at the top of the company. For Orton, the post-match punt kept him dangerous even in defeat, which matters if WWE wants him to remain central to the title picture coming out of the weekend.

Sources

Ric Flair via X