The original pitch for the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 was Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes in a Hell in a Cell match. According to a report from PWInsider.com, internal creative discussions early in the year centered on the two rivals settling their long-standing feud inside the steel structure.
McIntyre and Rhodes have been intertwined in a rivalry since late 2025, a program that saw “The Scottish Warrior” hold the Undisputed Title for 57 days. While the Hell in a Cell stipulation was considered to provide a definitive end to their conflict, current plans have since shifted toward a different bout for the new champion.
Despite the initial pitch for a Cell match, recent reporting indicates that WWE has moved in a different direction for the Las Vegas event. Randy Orton is currently scheduled to face Rhodes in a singles match for the Undisputed WWE Championship. This shift allows WWE to capitalize on the deep personal history between Orton and Rhodes, dating back to their time together in the Legacy faction. This is a match fans have been calling for years to be booked.
McIntyre, meanwhile, is expected to remain a centerpiece of the WrestleMania 42 card in a separate program. Following the end of his title reign on the March 6 episode of SmackDown, McIntyre has been linked to a potential clash with Jacob Fatu, though that match has not yet been officially announced by the company.
WrestleMania 42 is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and April 19, 2026.
Andrew Ravens is a reporter for WrestlingNews.co, where he covers the latest happenings in the world of professional wrestling. Based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, his main focus is reporting on day-to-day wrestling news, with a special emphasis on covering WWE and AEW. Having covered the industry since 2013, Andrew has developed an extensive knowledge of pro wrestling. His work involves more than just standard news updates; he also serves as a beat writer, providing in-depth and ongoing coverage of wrestling companies and its storylines. His skill set includes providing detailed play-by-play coverage for major events, ensuring fans who can't watch live still get a feel for the action. He also handles transcription, accurately converting interviews and media scrums for readers. As a dedicated reporter, Andrew frequently attends major wrestling events to cover them live, including WWE's Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, as well as AEW Dynamite. You can get in touch with Andrew for news tips or correspondence by emailing him at ravenstarmedia21@gmail.com.
