WrestleMania 42 promises to deliver thrilling championship battles, with the Undisputed WWE Championship recently shifting hands in a dramatic contest. Drew McIntyre claimed the title from Cody Rhodes in Berlin during a brutal Three Stages of Hell Match, with Jacob Fatu playing a key role in the outcome through his interference. As anticipation builds, fans are speculating about the possible headline matches for the big event, with several rivalries potentially coming to a head.
Potential Rivalry Between Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu
Jacob Fatu’s recent involvement in the title match suggests his ambitions for the Undisputed WWE Championship are intensifying. After interfering in McIntyre’s match on SmackDown, Fatu seems primed to pursue the championship at WrestleMania 42. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes remains a contender after losing the title controversially, setting the stage for a possible number one contender’s match at the Elimination Chamber event. Rhodes could face Fatu there, allowing the Samoan Werewolf a chance to secure his own title opportunity if victorious.
The Lingering Rivalry Between Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns
One of wrestling’s most compelling unresolved storylines involves Drew McIntyre’s defeat to Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle 2022, an event that still fuels debate among fans. McIntyre’s ongoing resentment toward Reigns and The Bloodline faction remains strong. With Reigns hinting at targeting world titles in the run-up to Survivor Series WarGames 2025, there is potential for him to challenge McIntyre directly at WrestleMania 42, either through a direct title match or by securing a win in the 2026 Royal Rumble to earn that shot.
A Possible Three-Way Showdown: McIntyre, Fatu, and Rhodes
Behind the scenes, WWE reportedly considered a triple feud involving Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes since Survivor Series WarGames. The plan was altered after Fatu suffered an injury, with Rhodes and McIntyre’s rivalry intensifying instead. However, the storyline could be revisited, as tensions between all three remain high. Fatu’s interference cost Rhodes the championship in Berlin, adding fuel to the conflict. This sets the groundwork for a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 42, potentially delivering another electrifying multi-competitor contest in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year.
Sami Zayn’s Potential Breakthrough Against Drew McIntyre
Sami Zayn emerges as a strong candidate to claim the 2026 Royal Rumble, an event scheduled for Saudi Arabia that could pave the way for his first WrestleMania headline. Zayn, a former United States Champion with significant support in the Middle East, has long sought to overcome Drew McIntyre, a rival he has yet to defeat. His pursuit of the world championship in 2026 is well-known, positioning him as an ideal challenger. The dynamic of Zayn’s underdog, babyface character facing off against the Scottish Warrior fits well narratively and could showcase an emotional, high-stakes battle for the title.
WrestleMania 42’s championship matches are shaping up to be some of the most unpredictable and intense in recent memory. With ongoing rivalries involving Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns, and Sami Zayn, this event is poised to captivate fans worldwide. The outcomes of these matchups will have a significant impact on the WWE landscape, influencing storylines and title pictures long after the show ends.
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes III has reportedly been SCRAPPED.
"This whole WrestleMania changed on Wednesday of last week when they made the decision to go with the McIntyre title win. That wasn’t decided until Wednesday… they may be doing a three way with McIntyre, Jacob… pic.twitter.com/KX114kJxww
— Wrestle Features (@WrestleFeatures) January 13, 2026
