Original WrestleMania Plan Revealed for Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Before WWE Pivoted

TLDR

According to PWInsider, WWE originally planned for Cody Rhodes to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Drew McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell at WrestleMania 42 before pivoting to a different direction. Current expectations now point toward Rhodes facing Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, while McIntyre is believed to be headed toward a match with Jacob Fatu. The change follows Rhodes' championship match victory over McIntyre on the March 6, 2026 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, where Rhodes retained the title after connecting with a Cody Cutter and Cross Rhodes.