The fight card for WrestleMania 42 is gradually filling up, but a new backstage report says WWE once had very different and more brutal plans for Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
The 2026 Elimination Chamber happened to decide the WrestleMania opponent of former WWE Champion McIntyre. Randy Orton took advantage of McIntyre’s distraction and secured the win by pinning Rhodes.
But just when it seemed like Rhodes had lost all his chances to go to the Show of Shows, Rhodes and McIntyre faced each other recently on WWE SmackDown. Cody Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to win the title and shake up the WrestleMania title picture.
Now, Randy Orton will face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42.
Backstage Report Reveals Different WrestleMania 42 Direction Was Originally Considered
According to Mike Johnson from PWInsider, WWE originally discussed having Rhodes defend the WWE Championship against McIntyre in a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania. This idea was reportedly talked about early in the planning stage before the company decided to change direction.
However, the change means the title match at WrestleMania will look very different from the original idea. A Hell in a Cell match between Rhodes and McIntyre could have been one of the most brutal matches on the card.
But with Orton now confirmed as the challenger, WWE is focusing on the long history between the two stars. Years ago, Orton actually mentored Cody Rhodes when they were part of the group Legacy.
While Rhodes and Orton prepare for their big title match, McIntyre is expected to take on Jacob Fatu. The former Bloodline member has been eager to lay his hands on the Scottish Psychopath.
Or McIntyre might just be there to ruin Rhodes’ WrestleMania moment.
WrestleMania 42 will take place over two nights on April 18 and April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium.
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