The road to the grandest stage of them all is officially taking a very specific and interesting shape. A new report has shed some light on the planned creative direction for the WWE Title match at WrestleMania 42. The news suggests a major change is coming to the championship picture very soon.
According to a new report from PWInsider, the current direction is for Randy Orton to challenge Cody Rhodes for the title. This marquee matchup would serve as a major attraction for the Showcase of the Immortals in Las Vegas. The history between the two stars would provide a deep emotional layer to the contest.
Currently, Drew McIntyre is the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion following his victory at Crown Jewel. Meanwhile, Randy Orton won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match in Chicago to officially bag his WrestleMania title shot. This setup would require a significant shift in ownership of the top prize.
The Scottish Warrior is officially scheduled to defend the title against The American Nightmare on the upcoming episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The report suggests that Rhodes will likely win the match to reclaim the gold. This would allow him to defend the title against his former mentor at Allegiant Stadium.
Citing a reliable WWE source, the report noted that the champion dropping the title is not a negative reflection on his current work. Instead, the company simply wants to give the WWE fans the highly requested matchup between Rhodes and Orton this year. Management believes the story of their long relationship is the best path forward.
As far as where that specifically leaves McIntyre, he will not be left off the major card in April. He may end up wrestling the dangerous Jacob Fatu in a physical grudge match at WrestleMania 42. There is also the possibility that management will pivot and add him back into the title match, making it a triple threat.
There is even an outside chance that the champion could square off with SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce at the stadium event. Tensions between the two have been rising on television ever since the fallout from the Elimination Chamber. Regardless of the final decision, the championship landscape is about to experience a massive shakeup.
The WrestleMania 42 event will take place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026. The two-night spectacle in Las Vegas will also feature CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns. Additionally, Rhea Ripley is scheduled to challenge Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship in another high-stakes encounter. The promotion is working hard to ensure that every major star has a featured role on the biggest show of the year.
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