The main event for WWE WrestleMania 42 Night One has been set, featuring Cody Rhodes against Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship, as announced by Orton on SmackDown. This match marks Rhodes’s third reign as champion after defeating Drew McIntyre, securing his place in the headline bout. However, some fans remain uneasy about this decision, feeling McIntyre’s strong title run warranted a different WrestleMania main event.
Drew McIntyre, known as the Scottish Warrior, gained notable fan support despite being a heel and helped improve SmackDown’s overall appeal. Yet, he will not enter WrestleMania as the champion, leaving some to think he’s been unfairly sidelined given the circumstances. While Rhodes vs. Orton is a high-profile matchup, there are several other potential main events that might have delivered a more compelling headline for Night One. Here are three alternative main events that could have topped WrestleMania 42 instead.
A Women’s Championship Clash: Rhea Ripley vs Jade Cargill
Rhea Ripley earned her title shot by winning the 2026 Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, setting up a battle against WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill. These two formidable wrestlers have already begun igniting tension, mixing respect with rivalry on SmackDown. With WrestleMania now a two-night event, many believe at least one night should feature a women’s match as the main event.
Although this won’t occur this year, Ripley vs. Cargill had the potential to become a passionate and intense showdown worthy of headlining, given their powerful styles and growing storyline depth.
Dream Rivalry: Cody Rhodes vs Jacob Fatu
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton share an extensive history, but their feud arguably should have started sooner after WrestleMania 40. Despite the allure of their match, momentum has waned over the past two years. A fresh and exciting angle could have involved Jacob Fatu winning the Elimination Chamber to challenge Rhodes or possibly Drew McIntyre if he retained the title.
Adding mystery to the storyline, WWE could have revealed McIntyre or Rhodes as Fatu’s secret attacker, increasing the stakes and emotional investment in the conflict.
Multiple Title Contenders: WWE Championship Fatal Four-Way
Most viewers agree Drew McIntyre deserved to enter WrestleMania 42 as the Undisputed WWE Champion. Instead, WWE might have opted for a Fatal Four-Way title match, involving Rhodes, Orton, Fatu, and McIntyre to capitalize on the crowded field of challengers. This format would elevate the excitement level and create unpredictable dynamics.
Sami Zayn could have played a pivotal role by betraying Rhodes and breaking under pressure, potentially allowing Orton to capture the championship. This outcome would also forge a new rivalry between Zayn and Rhodes heading into the summer. As it stands, McIntyre is reportedly relegated to a less significant singles match against Fatu in Las Vegas, a choice that some fans view as a downgrade in his storyline.
This reshuffling of main event possibilities highlights ongoing audience concerns about booking decisions leading into WrestleMania 42. While Cody Rhodes’s presence in the headline spot is a significant milestone for his career, competing opinions and unresolved rivalries suggest WWE’s creative direction remains a source of debate as the event approaches.
Sami Zayn questions Randy Orton on he and Cody Rhodes using assists from Drew McIntyre to score wins
"Sometimes you have to be selfish"
"Doesn't that make you a bad person?"
"I don't know, but it DOES make me a 14 time World Champion…" pic.twitter.com/G0s4QEy4bU
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) March 7, 2026
