Multiple reports confirm WWE's pivot toward Cody Rhodes defeating Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre on the March 6, 2026, SmackDown in Portland, positioning Rhodes for a title defense against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. Orton earned his shot by winning the Men's Elimination Chamber match, eliminating Rhodes after McIntyre's interference, fulfilling long-teased tension from their Legacy days.
WWE's creative plans for WrestleMania 42 (April, Las Vegas) have shifted to spotlight a singles Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, per reports from PWInsider, Fightful Select, Bodyslam.net, NoDQ.com, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and others. Internal discussions began in early February, with Rhodes and Orton aware of the pitch as early as January. The title was removed from Rhodes by McIntyre in January partly to enable Rhodes' participation in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber, boosting those events.
Orton clinched his opportunity by winning the Men's Elimination Chamber, pinning Rhodes in the final moments after McIntyre's interference, as detailed by SI. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis booked Rhodes vs. McIntyre for the March 6 episode in Portland, with sources including Newsweek, Wrestling News, and WWE insiders expecting Rhodes to win the title. Rhodes and McIntyre reportedly learned of the change last week, despite longer-term planning.
This direction prioritizes the Rhodes-Orton payoff, rooted in their Legacy stable history under Triple H and a 2009 WrestleMania 26 triple threat. Orton, pursuing his 15th world title, has teased betrayal for nearly two years. Wrestling insider Ibou (Self Made Sessions podcast, citing Rhodes' camp on Feb. 2) and PWInsider's Mike Johnson corroborated the singles focus, downplaying multi-man rumors.
Post-title loss, McIntyre is eyed for a WrestleMania match against Jacob Fatu amid recent confrontations, aligning with his filming for the Highlander reboot and subsequent TV absence. While Dave Meltzer speculated on a three- or four-way involving McIntyre and Fatu, multiple outlets favor the Rhodes-Orton singles bout. WrestleMania 42 ticket sales lag expectations, but WWE is optimistic. Plans remain fluid, as Fightful notes, with buildup continuing on weekly shows.
