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Randy Orton Brings Back Punt At WrestleMania 42 – Why WWE Banned It

By Harikesh Shekhar • Published Apr 18, 2026 22:21 EDT
Randy Orton Cody Rhodes WWE
Randy Orton attacks Cody Rhodes – SmackDown, March 13, 2026 - Source: WWE.com

Randy Orton showcased his most dangerous move after his match with Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.

Randy Orton won the Elimination Chamber match in February to become the #1 contender for Cody Rhodes’ WWE championship.

Pat McAfee was injected into the storyline as Orton’s representative and was revealed as the person responsible for Orton’s recent heel turn.

The Viper in this form showed signs of the version of Randy Orton from 2009, when he was at the peak of his career with the Legend Killer gimmick.

On WrestleMania 42 night, Orton turned on Pat McAfee and RKO’ed him towards the end of his title bout with Rhodes. Following this, the American Nightmare took advantage and landed a quick CrossRhodes on Orton to retain the gold.

It’s what happened after the match, however, that shocked fans.

Randy Orton Punt Kicks Cody Rhodes at WWE WrestleMania 42

One of the most deadly moves used by Orton during his Legend Killer run was the punt kick to the head.

He was famously known to punt top stars like Edge, Shawn Michaels, Christian, Big Show, and even former WWE CEO Vince McMahon.

Although his kick to McMahon ended up badly, with the former wrestling mogul suffering a concussion, the move was banned from Orton’s arsenal.

Orton found a workaround during the pandemic and brought the move back in a new, completely safe form. According to The Apex Predator, the move would now both look good and not be dangerous for the wrestler taking it.

Fast forward to the main event of WrestleMania 42 night 1, Orton lost the match to WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and proceeded to attack Rhodes with the Title belt after the match.

Following this attack, he launched his deadly punt kick on Rhodes, thus shocking the WWE Universe. With the punt kick making a return, it looks like Randy Orton is going to continue being a heel for the upcoming months, and his rivalry with Cody Rhodes looks like it’s just in its nascent stages and beginning to take shape.

Also read: Unbelievable!!! 5-Time WWE Champion Returns At WrestleMania 42, Costs Seth Rollins