Andrew Ravens
One of the planned main events for WWE WrestleMania 42 has transformed following a creative pivot from a previously pitched Hell in a Cell match.
According to a report from PWInsider.com, internal discussions earlier this year centered on Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre settling their long-standing feud inside the steel structure.
However, the company has since opted to move in a different direction for the Undisputed WWE Championship, choosing to capitalize on the personal history between Rhodes and his former mentor, Randy Orton. The path to this new main eventwas finalized during last week’s episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Portland, Oregon.
In a chaotic main event, Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to become a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion. The match was filled with interference, including a moment whereJacob Fatu came to prevent McIntyre from using a steel chair, allowing Rhodes to connect with a super Cody Cutter, followed by the Cross Rhodes for the victory.
The shift to Orton vs. Rhodes allows WWE to draw upon a storyline over 15 years in the making. As members of the Legacy faction, Orton served as the mentor to a young Rhodes. This match is viewed by fans as a “dream bout” that has been teased for years and is now seemingly set to headline Night 1 of the two-night event at Allegiant Stadium.
Despite losing the championship, Drew McIntyre is expected to remain a focal point of the WrestleMania card. Following his loss, McIntyre has been heavily linked to a potential bout with Jacob Fatu. Here is the current card for the event:
World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns
- Roman Reigns won the 2026 Royal Rumble and chose CM Punk as his opponent, making this one of the confirmed headline matches.
Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
- Rhodes recently won the Undisputed WWE Championship and will defend it against Orton, who earned the opportunity by winning the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Liv Morgan vs. Women’s Champion Jade Cargill
- Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble, guaranteeing a title match at WrestleMania.
