Summary

Stephanie McMahon appeared in the opening segment of WWE Raw at Madison Square Garden and confronted Cody Rhodes ahead of WrestleMania 42. The exchange quickly shifted to Rhodes' looming issue with Randy Orton, then turned physical when McMahon slapped Rhodes before telling him she was trying to help.

What happened on Raw

Rhodes opened the show and addressed the crowd before McMahon interrupted him. McMahon praised Rhodes for bringing out the best in opponents, but argued this version of Rhodes is not equipped to beat Orton's demented side.

Rhodes rejected the idea that his story with Orton is a student-versus-teacher dynamic. He also fired back after McMahon compared him to his father. McMahon then slapped Rhodes, and the segment ended with Rhodes thanking her for the advice.

Quote from Stephanie McMahon

"YOU ARE NOT YOUR FATHER"

Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton stakes for WrestleMania 42

By centering Randy Orton in this confrontation, WWE made it clear that Rhodes' WrestleMania 42 challenge now carries as much emotional pressure as in-ring pressure. McMahon's warning, and the slap that followed, added another public test of how Rhodes handles provocation before the event.

If this framing continues on Raw, WWE can lean further into whether Rhodes stays composed or gets pulled into Orton's pace before WrestleMania 42.

Sources

As reported by Fightful.