Randy Orton is getting a shot at the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. His opponent is still a changing topic of discussion.
Orton earned a shot at the title at WrestleMania by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match. He’s scheduled to face off against Drew McIntyre, the current WWE Champion. However, that match could change, as McIntyre is now scheduled to defend his title against Cody Rhodes on Friday’s episode of WWE SmackDown. Nick Aldis made that match during the Elimination Chamber post-show due to McIntyre’s constant interference in Cody Rhodes’ matches. McIntyre’s latest run-in directly influenced Orton’s Chamber win.
Now, Orton versus Rhodes looks like a possibility.
According to Fightful (via Fightful Select), that match is not a new topic of discussion. PWInsider.com recently reported that Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton was the active plan for WrestleMania. This is in line with Fightful’s report, which states that Rhodes vs. Orton was pitched “well over a month ago.” Additionally, a source claimed both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton were aware of the pitch for WrestleMania since January.
It was noted that the reason Rhodes lost the WWE Championship in the first place was that it gave him a way to be featured in the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, adding to the draw of those shows. Despite being the plan moving forward, Fightful notes that plans could still change since things have been in flux so much recently.
Bodyslam+ is also reporting that McIntyre losing the WWE Championship would line him up for a match with Jacob Fatu at WrestleMania.
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