Dramatic illustration of Randy Orton celebrating Elimination Chamber win, facing off against Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 42 main event.
Dramatic illustration of Randy Orton celebrating Elimination Chamber win, facing off against Cody Rhodes for WrestleMania 42 main event.
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WWE pivots WrestleMania 42 main event to Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes after Elimination Chamber win

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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.

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Discussions on X highlight excitement for the rumored Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes WrestleMania 42 main event as a dream match with deep history. Fans praise the booking pivot, while some express skepticism over sidelining Drew McIntyre's storyline. Neutral reports confirm backstage plans, with speculation on heel turns and SmackDown outcomes.

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Tense WWE meeting with frustrated officials reviewing WrestleMania 42 changes amid Las Vegas plans and slow ticket sales.
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Internal frustration builds over WWE WrestleMania 42 changes

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Reports indicate growing frustration within WWE due to repeated creative shifts and promotional changes for WrestleMania 42. The event, now set for Las Vegas, has seen slower ticket sales and multiple match adjustments amid injuries and planning pivots. Only a handful of matches are confirmed as the April spectacle approaches.

WWE is in discussions about a possible appearance by musician Jelly Roll at WrestleMania 42, potentially aligning with Randy Orton in his championship match against Cody Rhodes. Orton secured his spot by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, setting up a high-stakes showdown in Las Vegas this April. Jelly Roll, who last teamed with Orton at SummerSlam 2025, is expected to appear on the upcoming SmackDown episode.

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Randy Orton stated on WWE SmackDown that voices in his head are telling him he will defeat Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship at WrestleMania. WWE highlighted Orton's comments in a social media post. The remarks build anticipation for the upcoming title match.

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