As previously reported, plans for the Undisputed WWE Title Match at WrestleMania 42 have undergone multiple changes. Initially, the match was scheduled to be a rematch between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre inside a Hell in a Cell.
However, the final match has now been confirmed as Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes, following Rhodes' victory over McIntyre to reclaim the Undisputed WWE Championship last Friday on SmackDown. There were also earlier rumors about a potential third matchup between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for WrestleMania 42 before the direction changed.
According to Dave Meltzer on the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, the main event for the Undisputed WWE Title has shifted significantly for WrestleMania 42, with WWE continuously going “back and forth” on the idea of a Rhodes vs. McIntyre rematch. Meltzer noted that the Rhodes vs. Orton matchup went through multiple changes, with Orton initially not being in the title picture. He mentioned that WWE began solidifying plans for Orton after the WWE legend discussed pursuing the John Cena record and aiming for his 15th world title on WWE TV.
Meltzer further explained that WWE's creative team kept altering their plans for WrestleMania 42 because they felt the product was becoming too predictable. Regarding the decision to move away from another Rhodes vs. McIntyre rematch, Meltzer speculated that WWE believed there had already been sufficient matches featuring McIntyre—three prior matches at that time—making a fourth feel excessive, especially since the match that occurred last Friday wouldn’t have happened otherwise.
Meltzer also indicated that WWE had ideas and a complete card for WrestleMania 42 prepared since January, but the final lineup will differ significantly. Some changes are attributed to injuries, while others are not.
WWE WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both nights will be broadcast live on the ESPN App in the U.S. and on Netflix internationally. The first hour of both nights will also air on the linear ESPN channels.
