A new report has shed some light on the planned direction for the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42, suggesting a significant shift in the title picture is imminent. According to PWInsider Elite, the current internal direction is for Randy Orton to challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at Mania. This development comes as a surprise to some, given that Drew McIntyre is the reigning champion heading into the final stretch of the road to WrestleMania.
The foundation for this matchup was laid at the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago, where Randy Orton outlasted five other men to secure his Mania title shot. While Orton has his ticket booked, his opponent is technically still a variable. Drew McIntyre is scheduled to defend the WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes on the upcoming March 6 episode of Friday Night SmackDown. The report suggests that the company is leaning toward a title change to make room for the clash between Rhodes and Orton.
“The current direction is for Randy Orton to challenge Cody Rhodes for the title at the Showcase of the Immortals. Cody will likely win the match and then defend the title against Orton.”
The decision to move the title away from McIntyre has led to questions regarding his standing within the company. Citing a WWE source, the report noted that a potential title loss is not a performance-based decision. McIntyre has been a focal point of the brand and has delivered consistent work as a top-tier heel champion. Instead, the move is being driven by the interest in Rhodes vs. Orton.
“Drew dropping the title is not a reflection on his current work, but the company wants to give fans Cody versus Randy this year.”
As far as where that leaves McIntyre, the creative team is reportedly exploring several alternatives for the “Scottish Warrior.” One primary idea involves a physical confrontation with Jacob Fatu. There is also the possibility that WWE could pivot and add McIntyre back into the title match, transforming the bout into a triple threat.
WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
