As WWE prepares for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, recent developments have already shaken up the championship landscape ahead of the event. Several unexpected title changes on RAW and SmackDown last week have shifted the storylines, setting the stage for an intense buildup to the biggest show of the year.
In the latest SmackDown episode, Nia Jax and Lash Legend captured the Women’s Tag Team Championship from Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, while AJ Lee secured the Women’s Intercontinental Championship by defeating Becky Lynch at the Elimination Chamber. Additionally, Penta ended Dominik Mysterio’s reign to win the Intercontinental Championship on WWE RAW. With the Undisputed WWE Championship scheduled for defense this week, more surprising title changes might occur on the way to WrestleMania 42. Here are four key championship shifts fans should watch closely.
Potential of The Vision to Unseat The Usos for the World Tag Team Titles
Austin Theory and Logan Paul, known collectively as The Vision, have been engaged in a feud with Jimmy and Jey Uso on RAW. Despite their efforts, The Vision’s impact has been limited recently, partly due to injuries sidelining Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed, disrupting their momentum over the past month. Some insiders believe WWE could alter the WrestleMania main event plans by having Theory and Paul dethrone the Usos for the World Tag Team Championship. This outcome would not only reinvigorate The Vision’s standing but also accommodate Jey Uso’s upcoming paternity leave.
Becky Lynch’s Role in AJ Lee’s Women’s Intercontinental Title Defense
The rivalry between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee remains highly personal and heated, extending beyond championship stakes. Lynch’s interference could once again affect the Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, potentially costing AJ Lee her newly won title against the next contender. Such a scenario would echo past events where Lynch disrupted the title defense involving Maxxine Dupri, fueling a WrestleMania showdown between the two veterans while removing the title itself from the forefront of their rivalry.
Uncertainty Surrounding Carmelo Hayes and the United States Championship
Carmelo Hayes has frequently issued open challenges on WWE SmackDown with his United States Championship on the line, though recent challenges have failed to generate strong excitement. Due to this declining momentum, Hayes may lose his title before WrestleMania 42 to rejuvenate the division. Prominent contenders rumored to claim the championship include Matt Cardona, Kit Wilson, Oba Femi, Ilja Dragunov, and Shinsuke Nakamura. A title change here would inject fresh energy into the United States Championship storyline.
Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre Could Redefine the Undisputed WWE Championship Picture
Following Drew McIntyre’s controversial interference that cost Cody Rhodes at the Elimination Chamber, McIntyre is set to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes on this week’s SmackDown. Announced by General Manager Nick Aldis during the Elimination Chamber post show, this match has strong potential for McIntyre to lose the title. Rhodes might receive outside help from Jacob Fatu—who holds a grudge against McIntyre over missed opportunities—setting up a feud between Fatu and McIntyre. This title change would position Rhodes to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, adding depth to the upcoming event’s card.
“The QB1 of WWE could be helped by Jacob Fatu, who has also been robbed of opportunities by the Scottish Warrior. This could set up a feud between Fatu and McIntyre while allowing Rhodes to face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.”
The recent string of championship changes heading into WrestleMania 42 highlights WWE’s strategy to shake up storylines and maintain fan interest. These possible title flips could impact numerous rivalries and title scenes, ensuring WrestleMania remains unpredictable and highly anticipated. As the event approaches, viewers should keep an eye on these evolving contests, as any unexpected outcomes will likely influence the narratives unfolding on WWE’s grandest stage.
Drew McIntyre explains why he wants to face anyone BUT Cody Rhodes at WrestleManiapic.twitter.com/UigEL31dtc
— WrestleTalk (@WrestleTalk_TV) February 19, 2026
