Cody Rhodes is heading into WrestleMania 42 as Undisputed WWE Champion, but the road to Las Vegas already includes a confident prediction about his upcoming title defense.
Rhodes recently spoke about his looming championship clash with Randy Orton, offering a candid assessment of where he believes the advantage lies. The comments came during an appearance at the Nightmare Factory in Atlanta, where the champion discussed his mindset ahead of the biggest stage in sports entertainment.
While the matchup carries years of shared history, Rhodes made it clear he believes the momentum currently sits on his side of the ring.
Cody Rhodes Explains Why He Believes He Has The Edge Over Randy Orton
Speaking on Complex Graps, Cody Rhodes addressed whether he believes he holds the upper hand against Orton heading into WrestleMania 42.
“I would say I have the upper hand,” Rhodes said. He explained that the reason is not tied to their mentor-protégé history, but instead to where he feels he stands in his career right now.
“I’m right in the thick of the prime of my career,” Rhodes said. “Every time I’m out there, I feel like I’m tapping into something new.”
Rhodes also tied the discussion to what the WWE Championship represents to him. In his view, holding the title has always symbolized being the best wrestler in the world.
“I always would say the WWE Championship has always been to me the best wrestler in the world,” Rhodes said. He added that Orton must ask himself a simple question heading into the match — “Are you the best wrestler in the world?”
The WWE Champion acknowledged that Orton still possesses plenty of experience and hidden strategies, noting that his former mentor likely has “aces up his sleeve.”
The championship match was set after Rhodes defeated Drew McIntyre to regain the Undisputed WWE Championship on the March 6 episode of SmackDown. Orton earned the title opportunity by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Their WrestleMania showdown in Las Vegas now adds another chapter to a rivalry that dates back more than 15 years — proving that in WWE, sometimes the student becomes the champion… but the teacher always wants the final exam.
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