The landscape of WrestleMania 42 began to grab shape more clearly following Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown, where Cody Rhodes secured the Undisputed WWE Championship for a third time, defeating Drew McIntyre. While Rhodes’ victory seemingly sets the stage for a highly anticipated WrestleMania clash with longtime friend and mentor Randy Orton, reports indicate that WWE initially envisioned a different main event scenario for the championship match.
According to PWInsider Elite, the original pitch centered around a Hell in a Cell match between Rhodes and McIntyre at WrestleMania. The concept was designed to highlight the significant physical toll both competitors have endured in previous Hell in a Cell bouts, adding a layer of narrative depth to their rivalry.
Rhodes famously competed in a Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins in 2022 while battling a torn pectoral muscle, a testament to his resilience. McIntyre too experienced a grueling Hell in a Cell encounter against CM Punk. The proposed WrestleMania match aimed to build upon their existing rivalry, which included a Three Stages of Hell match in January where McIntyre defeated Rhodes to claim the championship.
But, WWE ultimately decided to alter its creative direction. The company opted to reinstate Rhodes as champion prior to WrestleMania, positioning him for a prominent match against Orton. Meanwhile, McIntyre is now expected to embark on a modern storyline with Jacob Fatu, whose interference during the SmackDown title match contributed to McIntyre’s loss of the championship.
Shifting Plans Due to Roster Injuries
The decision to move away from Rhodes versus McIntyre was also influenced by injuries impacting the WWE roster, according to reports. These adjustments prompted a reassessment of WrestleMania plans, leading to the current trajectory. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio corroborated the expectation that Rhodes vs. Orton and McIntyre vs. Fatu are the likely WrestleMania matches, though he cautioned that these plans aren’t entirely finalized, stating he hadn’t received “100%” confirmation.
With several weeks remaining before WrestleMania 42, WWE retains the flexibility to build further adjustments to the card as needed. The company has demonstrated a willingness to adapt its plans based on unforeseen circumstances and evolving storylines.
What’s Next for Rhodes and McIntyre
Cody Rhodes’ path to WrestleMania 42 now centers around his rivalry with Randy Orton, a storyline decades in the making. Orton, a multi-time world champion, represents a significant challenge for Rhodes as he aims to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship on the grandest stage. Drew McIntyre, meanwhile, will likely focus on establishing a new feud with Jacob Fatu, a member of The Bloodline, potentially setting up a compelling clash at WrestleMania.
The dynamic nature of professional wrestling means that plans can change rapidly. While the current direction points towards Rhodes versus Orton and McIntyre versus Fatu, the possibility of further alterations remains. Fans will be closely watching the coming weeks to witness how these storylines unfold and whether any unexpected twists emerge.
What are your thoughts on the potential WrestleMania 42 matchups? Share your predictions and reactions in the comments below!
