WWE has made a bold move by altering the main event plans for WrestleMania 42, especially in light of a surprising title change that unfolded on SmackDown. On January 9, 2026, Cody Rhodes defended his WWE Championship in a gripping "Three Stages of Hell" match against Drew McIntyre. In a twist that shocked many fans, McIntyre emerged victorious, aided by an unexpected intervention from Jacob Fatu. This decision appears to have been a strategic pivot aimed at reshaping the narrative as we head into one of the biggest events in wrestling.
According to insights from Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the initial blueprint likely set the stage for a third showdown between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns. However, WWE's Chief Content Officer, Paul "Triple H" Levesque, opted for a different course after reassessing the planned trajectory from the Royal Rumble to WrestleMania. His reasoning was clear: repeating a matchup between Rhodes and Reigns for the third time in four years could lead to audience fatigue, limiting the excitement leading up to the event.
Meltzer elaborated, stating, "The way it was explained is that Paul Levesque took another look at the planned direction and concluded that doing a Rhodes vs. Reigns match for the third time within such a short period would likely bore the audience." This change in strategy signals WWE's desire to keep the narratives fresh and engaging for their viewers.
Interestingly, Cody Rhodes himself was a key player in these discussions. He reportedly engaged with WWE management to weigh the pros and cons of either defending his championship at WrestleMania or chasing after it. Meltzer revealed, "Rhodes brought up the possibility of facing McIntyre at the same time and sought advice on whether he would be more valuable as a challenger rather than a champion. Ultimately, he decided that pursuing the title would be the better route for him." This insight into Rhodes' thought process gives fans a glimpse into the complexities behind the scenes in WWE.
Now that the WWE Championship rests with the “Scottish Warrior” Drew McIntyre, the creative team is actively exploring potential matchups for WrestleMania 42. As of now, two exciting possibilities are on the table: a triple threat match featuring McIntyre, Rhodes, and Fatu, or a straightforward singles clash between McIntyre and Rhodes. Both scenarios promise to deliver thrilling action to the audience.
Meanwhile, the future for Roman Reigns, often referred to as the "Tribal Chief," remains uncertain as he seems to be sidelined from the title picture. Reports indicate that he is currently "the odd man out" regarding the WWE Championship conversation, casting doubt on his role in the upcoming WrestleMania as the Road to WrestleMania officially kicks off.
Andrew Ravens is a dedicated reporter for WrestlingNews.co, where he keeps fans updated on all things related to professional wrestling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Andrew focuses on the latest news, particularly highlighting WWE and AEW events. With a background in the industry since 2013, he possesses a wealth of knowledge about professional wrestling. His reporting goes beyond mere updates; he provides detailed coverage of company storylines and major events, ensuring those who cannot watch live still feel connected to the action. He frequently attends significant wrestling shows, including WWE's Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, as well as AEW Dynamite, to provide comprehensive, live coverage. Fans and readers can reach out to Andrew for news tips or correspondence via email at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
