‘So Much Respect’ – WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair Says Cody Rhodes Vs Randy Orton At WrestleMania 42 Was One Of The Greatest Matches He’s Seen In Years

Published: Apr 19, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor | Last Updated: Apr 19, 2026 by Sanchez Taylor

Sanchez has over six years of pro-wrestling news writing experience, covering the biggest news stories in WWE, NXT, AEW, TNA Wrestling and more. He has personally interviewed a number of top stars, producing exclusive content with the likes of AEW's Swerve Strickland and WWE's Nick Aldis.

‘So Much Respect’ – WWE Hall Of Famer Ric Flair Says Cody Rhodes Vs Randy Orton At WrestleMania 42 Was One Of The Greatest Matches He’s Seen In Years

Hall of Famer Ric Flair has showered praise on two WWE stars following WrestleMania 42 Saturday, calling their match one of the greatest he’s seen in years.

The first night of WrestleMania 42 on April 18 was headlined by an Undisputed WWE Championship match, with Randy Orton challenging for Cody Rhodes’ gold.

Cody Rhodes was ultimately victorious, pinning Orton after a bloody match which saw the champion tease turning heel.

Ric Flair has now taken to Twitter to heavily praise both men, calling it one of the greatest matches he has seen in the last few years.

Showing respect to both Orton and Rhodes, Flair wrote:

“One Of The Greatest Matches I’ve Seen In The Last Few Years. Congrats To @CodyRhodes But There Is No Winner Or Loser!

“@RandyOrton, You Were Spectacular! You Both Represent So Well At The Highest Level. I Have So Much Respect For You Both!”

With Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes previously faction members together in the Legacy stable, WrestleMania 42 saw the student defeat the mentor.

This relationship is mirrored by Ric Flair and Orton, with this duo both being part of the Evolution faction during Orton’s early years in WWE.

Things seem to be far from over between Orton and Rhodes, with the Viper attacking the champion following the match and hitting him with a Punt Kick.

While it was previously reported that both men were set to be part of a tag-team match at next month’s Backlash premium live event, it would make sense for the duo to face off one-on-one with the title on the line at least once more.

With Randy Orton chasing a 15th world title reign, on his road to potentially breaking John Cena’s record of 17 reigns, The Viper challenging for Cody Rhodes’ gold again feels like an inevitability.