The landscape of the WWE Championship is evolving as the “Road to WrestleMania” heats up. Currently, Drew McIntyre reigns as the Undisputed WWE Champion, having seized the title from Cody Rhodes during the January 9, 2026, episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Berlin. While Rhodes continues to be a significant adversary for McIntyre, rising star Jacob Fatu is reportedly gaining momentum behind the scenes, potentially altering the dynamics as WrestleMania 42 approaches.
Reports from WrestleVotes Radio and Fightful Select indicate that Fatu, known as the “Samoan Werewolf,” is attracting considerable backing within WWE’s creative team to enter the championship picture at WrestleMania. There are discussions about the possibility of a triple threat match featuring Fatu, Rhodes, and McIntyre, shifting the traditional title match format and adding an exciting layer of anticipation for fans.
With the championship picture in flux, WWE headquarters in Stamford is facing logistical challenges. Multiple departments are racing against deadlines to finalize promotional materials for WrestleMania 42, leading to a palpable sense of urgency among the staff. Concerns are rising that the company may struggle to prepare essential marketing and production assets with the final match card still uncertain.
Interestingly, Fatu will not participate in this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber match at the United Center in Chicago, where competitors like Jey Uso, Randy Orton, and Cody Rhodes vie for a title opportunity. His ascent to the championship may require a unique storyline outside the traditional expectations of the Elimination Chamber format. Despite being eliminated from the Royal Rumble by Roman Reigns, Fatu’s stock with WWE management appears to be on the rise.
As the WrestleMania card takes shape, it is expected that CM Punk will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, while Liv Morgan has opted to challenge Stephanie Vaquer. All eyes will be on the Elimination Chamber match this weekend, as the outcomes will potentially set the stage for Fatu’s involvement and further shape the main event narrative in Paradise, Nevada. The excitement surrounding these developments underscores the unpredictable and ever-changing nature of WWE storytelling, promising an exhilarating build-up to WrestleMania 42.