Recent reports have surfaced regarding the anticipated match-ups leading to WrestleMania 42, highlighting Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre’s roles in the event. According to Mike Johnson from PWInsider Elite, the current plan for WrestleMania involves a highly anticipated showdown between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Sean Ross Sapp from Fightful Select corroborated this, revealing that the match had been in consideration for over a month, with sources indicating that both athletes were aware of the plans as early as January.
Cody Rhodes has been making significant appearances in recent matches, including participation in the men’s Royal Rumble and the Elimination Chamber, aimed at elevating the star quality of these events. The storyline for a showdown between Rhodes and Orton has been developing over the past year, with subtle hints dropped by The Viper, showcasing his desire for championship glory alongside his bond with The American Nightmare.
Currently, Drew McIntyre holds the Undisputed WWE Championship and is slated to defend his title against Rhodes on an upcoming episode of SmackDown. This match could potentially mark the end of McIntyre’s reign as champion. There has been speculation regarding the direction of the storyline, with some suggesting that Rhodes and Jacob Fatu may face off in either a singles or a triple threat match alongside McIntyre.
According to BodySlam+ on Patreon, the decision for the Rhodes-Orton match was made later than anticipated, shifting the focus to a possible face-off between McIntyre and Fatu at WrestleMania. As McIntyre is expected to depart shortly after the event to film the latest installment of the Highlander reboot, fans are eagerly awaiting how these storylines will unfold at one of wrestling’s biggest shows of the year.