A major spoiler has surfaced regarding Randy Orton’s involvement at WrestleMania 42 after the dramatic conclusion of the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match. The contest featured Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, and the Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, with McIntyre playing a decisive role in the match’s final moments.
During the match, Orton intervened to protect Rhodes from McIntyre’s assault. However, after both Rhodes and McIntyre temporarily neutralized each other, Orton struck unexpectedly with his signature RKO, targeting Rhodes, known as The American Nightmare, which effectively secured Orton’s entry into the Las Vegas main event at WrestleMania 42.
Drew McIntyre’s Reluctance to Face Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42
Drew McIntyre has publicly expressed his unwillingness to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42, despite their ongoing rivalry.
“Anyone but Cody Rhodes. […] I can’t get the title back on Cody where he’s protected again; he’s back in the golden boy spot. I liberated this title for everybody. But mostly for me,” McIntyre’s response to who he wishes to defend the Undisputed WWE Title against at WrestleMania 42.
When McIntyre captured the title from Rhodes in January, many saw him as a temporary champion, a transition necessary to maintain storyline momentum. Though McIntyre has held the belt briefly before WrestleMania XL, some reports, possibly leaked, now suggest his reign may be similarly short-lived this time around.
Leaked Confirmation Sparks Buzz About Orton vs. Rhodes at WrestleMania 42
Social media stirred when theScore shared posts indicating Cody Rhodes would face Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, though these posts were later edited. Journalist Jacob Wineberg highlighted the original tweet, hinting it might reveal the upcoming title match slated for SmackDown.
“Yo @SeanRossSapp accident or leak? I promise I didn’t edit this pic.com/03mbRdw7PQ” — Jacob Nation (@JacobWineberg)
Cody Rhodes is scheduled to challenge McIntyre on March 6 in Portland, Oregon—an important clash resulting from recent events at the United Center in Chicago.
The Shared History Fuels Anticipation for Orton-Rhodes Rivalry
The rivalry between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes carries significant weight, rooted in their days together in the Legacy stable, where Orton was the leader and Rhodes a protégé. Since Rhodes’ high-profile return to WWE in 2022, fans have eagerly awaited a full-scale confrontation between the two, which, until now, had been largely withheld by the company.
Their most recent direct match before this year was at the 2025 Night of Champions event in Saudi Arabia, where Rhodes overcame Orton to claim the King of the Ring title, before regaining the Undisputed WWE Championship from John Cena at SummerSlam for his second reign.
Meanwhile, Orton has not held a world title since 2020, when he last defeated Drew McIntyre, making this potential WrestleMania match a pursuit of his 15th world championship—a milestone that would further cement his legacy in WWE history.
Possible Multi-Competitor Title Match at WrestleMania 42
Given the ongoing tensions among Drew McIntyre, Randy Orton, Cody Rhodes, Jacob Fatu, and Sami Zayn, a multi-man contest for the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42 remains plausible. Each contender has had significant interactions with McIntyre during the Road to WrestleMania 42, adding layers of complexity to the title picture.
With unpredictable developments unfolding on SmackDown, WWE fans can expect the storyline to intensify, possibly peaking at the grandest event of the year.
WrestleMania 42’s Potential Impact on WWE’s Championship Landscape
The spoiler revealing Randy Orton as a key participant at WrestleMania 42 reshapes the championship narrative heading into WWE’s biggest spectacle. Orton’s surprise victory in the Elimination Chamber and his historic rivalry with Cody Rhodes create a compelling storyline that could redefine the title chase.
As McIntyre seeks to maintain his championship amid reluctance to face Rhodes, and the possibility of a multi-competitor match looms, WrestleMania 42 promises to deliver high stakes and intense drama for WWE fans worldwide.
RANDY ORTON WILL BE HEADED TO WRESTLEMANIA TO WRESTLE FOR THE WWE MEN'S WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP! 😱 pic.twitter.com/uRLsawtuRz
— theScore (@theScore) March 1, 2026
Yo @SeanRossSapp accident or leak? I promise I didn’t edit this pic.twitter.com/03mbRdw7PQ
— Jacob Nation (@JacobWineberg) March 1, 2026
