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WWE legend Stephanie McMahon returned to “Monday Night Raw” at Madison Square Garden in New York City to address undisputed champion Cody Rhodes.
Rhodes has been embroiled in a feud with Randy Orton since the “Legend Killer” won the men’s Royal Rumble.
Orton has a shot at the WWE Undisputed Championship at WrestleMania 42, which Rhodes won back from Drew McIntyre a few weeks ago.
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Stephanie McMahon slaps Cody Rhodes during “Monday Night RAW” at Madison Square Garden on March 30, 2026 in New York, NY (Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)
Orton has been furious on “Friday Night SmackDown,” leaving Rhodes in a bloody mess during one episode and delivering an RKO on country music singer Jelly Roll last week. McMahon came out on Monday to give Rhodes a little advice. She said Rhodes will have to tap into something sinister if he wants to come out on top at WrestleMania.
McMahon seemed to upset Rhodes when he told him that he won’t be able to bring out the best in Orton because “this version of Randy Orton is evil.”
“You don’t have to be diabolical, but you’re going to have to be able to think like that. You’re going to have to be able to think like Randy. Your father understood that better than anyone. Dusty Rhodes could be with the best of them,” he said.
“He can get down and dirty with the best of them, but from what I’ve seen so far, you’re not your father.”
The phrase sparked a huge reaction from the crowd in New York.
Cody Rhodes alongside John Cena during “Friday Night Smackdown” at T-Mobile Arena on April 18, 2025 in Las Vega. (Mike Owens/WWE via Getty Images)
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Rhodes explained that he knows “everything” about Orton, including his violent streak during the peak of his career, in which he took out McMahon.
“You want to raise parents, I’m not mine. You’re right,” Rhodes responded. “Stephanie McMahon, with all due respect, you’re not yours either.”
McMahon then proceeded to slap Rhodes in the face.
Randy Orton celebrates his victory during WWE Elimination Chamber at the United Center on February 28, 2026 in Chicago. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE via Getty Images)
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At the end of the segment, Rhodes thanked McMahon for seemingly giving him the wake-up call he may have needed to focus on his WrestleMania match.
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for April 18-19 in Las Vegas at Allegiant Stadium.
