The buildup to WrestleMania 42 is beginning to take shape as Royal Rumble 2026 approaches, with several shifting storylines and title changes setting the stage. While the upcoming premium live event (PLE) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will clarify many directions, some potential WrestleMania 42 matches involving major figures like Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes seem possible but are better avoided.
Why Certain WrestleMania 42 Matches Could Undermine Big Storylines
The creative team led by Triple H faces important decisions on which bouts to feature on the grandest WWE platform. While exciting on paper, some matches could dilute ongoing narratives or fail to captivate audiences adequately. Below are five matchups fans hope WWE chooses not to book at WrestleMania 42, along with explanations for why they may do more harm than good.
The Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton Rivalry Lacks Long-Term Appeal
Jade Cargill claimed the WWE Women’s Championship from Tiffany Stratton on the November 1 episode of Saturday Night’s Main Event. Since then, Cargill has been sidelined, and Stratton has not had a title defense. The two are currently tied at one win apiece in singles competition, setting up a possible rubber match at WrestleMania 42.
Despite this potential, the feud has not maintained strong fan interest, and booking it at WrestleMania might feel underwhelming. Instead, a more dynamic championship story could unfold with Bianca Belair vying for Cargill’s title. Stratton might be better positioned switching back to a villainous persona to engage in compelling non-title storylines against heroic characters.
Three-Way Championship Clash Could Be Premature for WrestleMania
Drew McIntyre captured the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes after interference from Jacob Fatu, known as the Samoan Werewolf, who reemerged following a mysterious absence since October. This complex situation points toward a triple threat match involving McIntyre, Rhodes, and Fatu.
While such a match intrigues fans, delaying it until WrestleMania risks losing momentum. A better option would be to feature the triple threat at the forthcoming Royal Rumble event, allowing the storyline more room to develop before the biggest show of the year.
A Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton Title Match May Weaken Current Reigns
The prospect of Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton has generated significant excitement. Orton is pursuing his 15th WWE World Title, and a clash with Rhodes would be highly anticipated if a championship were involved.
However, since Rhodes has already lost the title to McIntyre, a renewed Orton-Rhodes feud requiring Rhodes to regain the championship before WrestleMania might undermine McIntyre’s current reign. This match-up is more fitting for a later event such as SummerSlam 2026, preserving the integrity of title reigns and building anticipation.
Roman Reigns vs. Drew McIntyre Title Fight Could Be Impractical
As the reigning Undisputed WWE Champion, Drew McIntyre has several enticing challengers for WrestleMania 42, with Roman Reigns being a prime candidate. Reigns, absent from the title scene since losing the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at WrestleMania 40, would naturally generate heat in a championship bout with McIntyre due to their shared history.
Nevertheless, Roman Reigns’ part-time involvement in WWE raises questions about the match’s feasibility and long-term value. Including a semi-absent champion risks fragmenting storylines and limiting audience engagement, making this matchup potentially unproductive for WrestleMania 42.
A Third Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns Match Isn’t Ideal for WrestleMania 42
Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns headlined two consecutive WrestleManias, each securing a victory. A trilogy match could logically settle their rivalry, hinted at by a tense confrontation at Survivor Series: WarGames. However, with Rhodes no longer champion and Reigns’ reduced schedule, staging their third match at WrestleMania 42 seems impractical.
Both competitors risk losing momentum from a high-profile defeat in this match, so it would be wiser to postpone the trilogy conclusion to a later event when both are better positioned. This would also preserve the impact of their storied rivalry without oversaturating the WrestleMania card.
Strategic Match Making is Crucial for WrestleMania’s Success
As WWE approaches WrestleMania 42, decisions on match bookings will significantly influence fan engagement and storytelling coherence. Avoiding these five potential matchups prevents diminishing returns and preserves anticipation for future events. With creative leadership navigating shifting dynamics, the upcoming Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia will offer clearer signals about which storylines will headline WrestleMania.
Ultimately, maintaining balanced championship reigns and fresh rivalries will ensure WrestleMania 42 remains a highlight of WWE’s calendar, avoiding repetitive or uninspired matches that fail to excite its global audience.
