As previously reported, WWE WrestleMania 42 is just over two months away, and only one match has been confirmed for the event so far. That match will feature CM Punk defending his World Heavyweight Title against Roman Reigns, the winner of the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble. Reports indicate that WWE is changing its plans for WrestleMania due to disappointing ticket sales.
Dave Meltzer noted in the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter that the complete WrestleMania card, aside from Punk vs. Reigns, which had been outlined internally before the Royal Rumble, is subject to change. Meltzer also mentioned that, currently, Punk vs. Reigns is expected to headline Night Two of WrestleMania 42, while Drew McIntyre is set to face Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship, likely as the main event for Night One.
Meltzer added that Rhodes' path to WrestleMania may not be straightforward, as WWE is continuing Sami Zayn's storyline of never having defeated McIntyre and is also incorporating Jacob Fatu into the mix. Although a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania cannot be ruled out, the current plan suggests that two of the three contenders may be eliminated from contention soon.
Additionally, Meltzer mentioned that the creative team is aiming to avoid predictability in the build-up to the Undisputed WWE Championship match, especially considering that Rhodes and McIntyre have already faced each other in one-on-one matches at WrestlePalooza and Saturday Night’s Main Event, in addition to their brutal Three Stages of Hell Match on SmackDown last month.
