WWE has shifted WrestleMania 42 plans to feature Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in the night one main event, following Orton's victory in the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber Match. Rhodes is set for an Undisputed WWE Championship rematch against Drew McIntyre on the March 6, 2026, SmackDown, with the winner advancing to face Orton in Las Vegas.
Randy Orton earned a WrestleMania 42 title shot by winning the 2026 Men's Elimination Chamber Match, delivering an RKO to Cody Rhodes after Drew McIntyre's interference cost Rhodes the win. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis immediately booked Rhodes vs. McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6 episode in Portland, with multiple reports (PWInsider, Fightful Select, Bodyslam.net, NoDQ.com, Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, Wrestling News) expecting Rhodes to reclaim the title and defend it against Orton.
The pivot to an Orton-Rhodes singles main event for night one of WrestleMania 42 (April, Las Vegas) was decided in early February 2026, per BodySlam+ and others, to refresh the card and capitalize on their longstanding tensions dating back to the Legacy stable under Triple H and a 2009 WrestleMania 26 triple threat. Internal talks began that month, with Orton and Rhodes aware earlier, though Rhodes and McIntyre learned of the finalized plans only the week before reports emerged. This fulfills teases of betrayal from Orton, who seeks his 15th world title.
Their history blends respect and rivalry: at last summer's Night of Champions, Orton hesitated to use an exposed turnbuckle against Rhodes, allowing Rhodes to win the King of the Ring. Recent events shift dynamics, positioning them for a high-stakes clash roughly six weeks away. The change opens doors for McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu, after McIntyre interfered to block Fatu's two Elimination Chamber qualifier attempts; McIntyre's Highlander filming may factor into his booking.
Plans remain fluid amid lagging WrestleMania ticket sales, but WWE prioritizes the Orton-Rhodes payoff over multi-man matches, with buildup on weekly shows.
