WWE is reportedly planning a major rematch between Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, the two superstars who anchored WrestleMania 39 and WrestleMania 40. But there may be a secondary option as well.
According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the tension teased between the two men at the conclusion of the recent WarGames match at Survivor Series was intentional, and the company has confirmed internal discussions to book the two in a title match.
Dave Meltzer reported that the high-profile rematch is in the plans, though it may not take place at the biggest show of the year. “The other story was Rhodes and Reigns having words at the end of the match,” Meltzer wrote. “It’s been confirmed to us that a Rhodes vs. Reigns match for the WWE title is in the plans, although not necessarily at WrestleMania”.
While Rhodes vs. Reigns is a major priority, the report indicates that WWE is weighing several different combinations for the upcoming Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season. The creative direction appears fluid, with other top names potentially stepping into the title picture or facing “The Tribal Chief.”
Meltzer noted that matches such as “Rollins vs. Breakker, Reigns vs. Punk and Rhodes against someone else could be done”. This suggests that a match between Reigns and CM Punk—who were on opposing sides at Survivor Series—is also a strong contender for a marquee spot.
The rivalry between Rhodes and Reigns received its latest twist at Survivor Series, where the two were forced allies, teaming with CM Punk and The Usos in a losing effort against a team led by Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar. With the Royal Rumble set for a major stadium event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 31, 2026, WWE has a massive show before WrestleMania that could serve as the host for the highly anticipated title bout.
Seth Rollins’ WrestleMania 42 Status
Seth Rollins is reportedly pushing to compete at WrestleMania 42, but his status for the event remains uncertain due to his medical condition. Rollins has been sidelined since October 11 after suffering a shoulder injury against Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel. He subsequently underwent surgery and was forced to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship.
Dave Meltzer reported that while Rollins has shared his hope to be on the card for the biggest show of the year, WWE officials are currently taking a wait-and-see approach regarding his physical condition. If Rollins is cleared to compete, the report indicates that a match against Bron Breakker is being discussed.
Meltzer wrote, “Rollins vs. Breakker, Reigns WWE Planning WrestleMania Rematch For Cody Rhodes vs. Punk, and Rhodes against someone else could be done. Or Rollins vs. Breakker. Rollins has talked about wanting to wrestle at Mania. We’ve been told this week that it is a possibility, but it’s too early to determine if it can happen”.
Rollins has had a tumultuous 2025, highlighted by his Money in the Bank cash-in on CM Punk at SummerSlam. However, the injury issues that have plagued him recently cast doubt on his availability for the entire road to WrestleMania. His rumored opponent, Bron Breakker, has been positioned as a “whiteboard favorite” to win the 2026 Royal Rumble and recently scored a pinfall victory over CM Punk at Survivor Series.
Breakker is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship on the January 5, 2026, episode of Monday Night Raw.
