Cody Rhodes vs Roman Reigns was originally the plan for WrestleMania 42 and it may have even taken place inside Hell in a Cell. According to Dave Meltzer in the March 13, 2026 edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWEs creative plans for the Undisputed WWE Championship shifted repeatedly over the past few months. While the current plan is for Rhodes to defend the title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, that was far from the original plan. Meltzer reported that, barring any last-minute changes, Rhodes vs. Orton is expected to remain a straight singles match rather than a multi-man bout. According to the report, this direction came after weeks of speculation and shifting ideas around the title match. One earlier concept reportedly had Rhodes facing Roman Reigns again, potentially inside one of WWEs most dangerous stipulations. There were also reports that another possible WrestleMania direction could have involved Drew McIntyre defending the championship against Rhodes in a Hell in a Cell match. However, sources within WWE told Meltzer that while Hell in a Cell was discussed heavily for a Rhodes vs. Reigns match, it was never firmly locked in as an official plan. Once those changes happened, WWE began exploring the idea of Rhodes facing Randy Orton instead. But even that direction reportedly went through multiple revisions internally. According to the report, the match began to take shape once WWE decided Orton would win the Elimination Chamber earlier this year. Because Rhodes was always expected to remain in the championship picture, WWEs decision to eventually have him defeat Drew McIntyre on television was tied to that same timeline. Meltzer also noted that WWE television subtly began setting up the possibility of Orton challenging for the title once commentary started referencing his historic championship resume and his pursuit of John Cenas record. After several creative pivots, WWE finally landed on Rhodes vs Orton as the Undisputed WWE Championship match for WrestleMania 42 even though the original vision for the show looked very different. Do you think WWE should have stuck with Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 42, or is Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton the better match? Let us know your thoughts. G Add as a preferred source on Google
