Cody Rhodes‘ path to WrestleMania 42 has taken a dramatic turn, as recent reports indicate WWE has canceled his anticipated showdown at the event following his recent defeat. The latest Cody Rhodes WrestleMania 42 news arrives amid a flurry of significant developments affecting major WWE superstars in the lead-up to April’s spectacle in Las Vegas.
Stephanie Vaquer Suffers Vicious Attack Amid Injury Struggles
Earlier in the month, it was confirmed that Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer had sustained a foot injury, although she was allowed to keep her title. Matters deteriorated for Vaquer on a recent episode of WWE RAW when, during a confrontation with Raquel Rodriguez, Rodriguez attacked her.
The incident escalated as Big Mami entered the scene, using the Women’s World Championship belt to strike Vaquer’s already injured foot, further worsening her condition. This series of attacks marks a tumultuous period for Vaquer, threatening her status ahead of major upcoming events.
CM Punk Set for Another Title Defense on RAW
After capturing the vacant World Heavyweight Championship in Salt Lake City against Jey Uso, CM Punk has maintained a reputation as a fighting champion on WWE’s red brand. Just one week after successfully retaining his championship against Bron Breakker of The Vision, Punk faces another high-stakes title defense.
The most recent episode of RAW showcased Finn Balor confronting Punk, following backstage tensions involving Liv Morgan criticizing Balor for his lack of engagement in the ring. Now, Balor—recognized as the inaugural Universal Champion—will challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship in an upcoming match in Belfast.
Rhodes’ WrestleMania 42 Match Shelved After Stunning Title Loss
The wrestling world was stunned when Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in the Three Stages of Hell match, seizing the Undisputed WWE Championship at the beginning of the year. This unexpected title change dramatically altered the landscape with WrestleMania 42 on the horizon, and with several major events scheduled before April, speculation about the main event has been intense.
According to Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Radio, plans for a third high-profile encounter between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42—recently hinted at during Survivor Series: WarGames in San Diego—have been abandoned by WWE officials. The title swap occurred midweek according to reports, opening the possibility of a Triple Threat match featuring McIntyre, Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu. However, current indications suggest such a bout is unlikely for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, with the storyline direction now uncertain for all involved.
RHIYO to Defend Women’s Tag Team Titles at Major Event
After winning the tag championships from the Kabuki Warriors, Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY emerged with new branding and now stand atop WWE’s women’s tag team division under the moniker RHIYO. Challenger teams have lined up, with The Judgment Day’s Liv Morgan among the most prominent pursuing the titles.
Following a tense confrontation between Morgan, Roxanne Perez, and the champions, Morgan and Perez managed to win a Triple Threat Tag Team match, securing their spot as the top contenders. Their upcoming title match against RHIYO is set for WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, taking place in Canada. The showdown is expected to influence the trajectory of the entire women’s tag division.
Elton Prince’s Return Delayed By Major Neck Surgery
Last year, Pretty Deadly’s Elton Prince stepped away from competition, leaving Kit Wilson to perform solo. Hopes for a reunion were dashed after Prince provided a sobering medical update regarding his injury status. The two-time NXT Tag Team and former NXT UK Tag Team Champion revealed on Instagram that he required a two-level neck fusion surgery, and is now pursuing a long recovery.
Dave Meltzer, via Wrestling Observer Radio, shed light on the severity of Prince’s injury, stating that recovery from such surgeries typically takes 12 to 18 months. As Prince has been sidelined since May 2025, the SmackDown star is now expected to miss more than a full year of in-ring action, casting doubt on the immediate future of the Pretty Deadly tag team.
These developments inject an atmosphere of unpredictability and tension into the WWE landscape heading into WrestleMania 42 and beyond. Fans are left with questions about Cody Rhodes’ next move, the future for sidelined champions like Stephanie Vaquer and Elton Prince, and the shifting dynamics among WWE’s most prominent teams and individual superstars as highlighted in the latest Cody Rhodes WrestleMania 42 news.
