Drew McIntyre, currently the Undisputed WWE Champion, appears to have an uncertain future in WWE after his confrontation with Cody Rhodes at the Elimination Chamber. The Scottish star is scheduled to defend his title against Rhodes on SmackDown, but speculation is rising that McIntyre’s time as champion might soon end.
Many insiders suggest McIntyre could lose the championship soon, potentially setting up a high-profile matchup between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. Recent reports reinforce this possibility, signaling a shift in WWE’s storyline plans.
Insights on WWE’s Changing Plans for WrestleMania 42
According to an update from PWInsider Elite, a title change is likely to happen on the imminent SmackDown episode. This expected outcome aligns with WWE’s reported intention to stage a Randy Orton versus Cody Rhodes matchup at WrestleMania 42, following Orton’s recent victory at the Elimination Chamber event.
The move suggests WWE is quietly adjusting the WrestleMania main event, aiming to deliver a match fans have been anticipating for some time. However, the company has not yet clarified what the title loss would mean for Drew McIntyre’s role moving forward within WWE’s storylines.
Potential Directions for McIntyre After Losing the Title
There are a few different paths WWE could take after McIntyre’s possible title loss. The promotion might require him to become part of a triple threat match involving Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42. Alternatively, McIntyre could pivot toward a singles match against Jacob Fatu, a storyline developing over the long term.
Another potential angle involves McIntyre facing Nick Aldis, a matchup that WWE could use to build future storylines. Meanwhile, the general manager of SmackDown is preparing for his WWE in-ring debut, adding another layer of intrigue to upcoming programming.
How These Developments Affect Drew McIntyre’s WWE Future
The reports suggest a precarious position for Drew McIntyre as he risks losing his championship soon. Under Triple H’s creative direction, the focus seems to be on establishing the Orton vs. Rhodes rivalry as the centerpiece for this year’s major WWE events.
Should McIntyre relinquish the title on SmackDown, he might transition to a non-title storyline or participate in a multi-competitor match involving Rhodes and Orton at future marquee events. His exact trajectory remains unclear, with the outcome depending heavily on upcoming episodes.
Fans will have to wait and see how Drew McIntyre’s WWE future unfolds as he prepares to defend his championship against Cody Rhodes on SmackDown.
POTENTIAL WRESTLEMANIA MAIN EVENT SCENE SPOILERhttps://t.co/HwDYa28nrT pic.twitter.com/anF9INw3d5
— PWInsider.com (@PWInsidercom) March 3, 2026
