The possibility of a Randy Orton WrestleMania 42 match against Cody Rhodes faces uncertainty, as frustrations grow over how the storyline is developing. Analysts and fans are concerned about the direction WWE is taking to build a compelling narrative, especially considering Rhodes’ inconsistent track record against Orton and the tension surrounding their feud.
Potential WrestleMania 42 Clash Explored by WWE Analyst
The long-standing relationship between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, dating back to their days as part of Legacy, remains a key talking point within WWE circles. On a recent episode of the Notsam Wrestling podcast, analyst Sam Roberts discussed possible scenarios for WrestleMania 42, highlighting a potential matchup for the Undisputed WWE Championship between Rhodes and Orton. Roberts suggested that WWE could follow a storyline reminiscent of the iconic Andre the Giant–Hulk Hogan feud, wherein the match was rooted in a complex friendship.
Roberts believes that if WWE can convincingly portray that Rhodes is hesitant to accept a championship match because he fears losing to Orton, the storyline would become more compelling and believable for the audience. This tension would help elevate anticipation for their clash at WrestleMania.
He further explained how WWE might build this narrative gradually, starting with the Royal Rumble and extending towards the Elimination Chamber event, planting subtle seeds of conflict and fear in Rhodes’ character.
“You start to plant the seeds and then maybe something happens at the Rumble where Randy doesn’t win or maybe it’s Cody’s fault or maybe Cody congratulates the guy that does win. Maybe Randy’s down to the final two in the Rumble and then somebody else wins. Maybe Cody congratulates him. Maybe whatever. Now all of a sudden, that’s like the straw that broke the camel’s back. And now Randy’s got to go into that Elimination Chamber, RKO everybody. And you do tell this Hogan-Andre story of Randy and Cody going into WrestleMania. And you convince the audience and you convince me in the audience that maybe the reason why that title shot hasn’t been given is because Cody knows and we all know that Cody can’t beat Randy Orton for the (WWE) Championship. That’s a WrestleMania match,” Roberts said.
—Sam Roberts, WWE Analyst
Rhodes’ Record Against Orton Raises Questions Ahead of Big Match
Statistics illustrate the challenges Rhodes faces in a potential WrestleMania 42 showdown with Orton. According to Cagematch, the two have clashed in 13 televised singles matches, with Randy Orton winning nine and Rhodes securing only four victories. Most of these matches took place before Rhodes departed WWE in 2016.
Their encounter at Night of Champions earlier this year marked their only match since Rhodes returned. Notably, Rhodes won that match, claiming the 2025 King of the Ring title and earning the top contender spot for the Undisputed WWE Championship at SummerSlam. Despite this recent victory, the uneven rivalry adds complexity to their WrestleMania storyline prospects.
Upcoming Matches May Influence WrestleMania Narrative
WWE fans may get the first hints of this developing story as soon as this Friday’s SmackDown, where Randy Orton is scheduled to face Drew McIntyre. How the match unfolds could play a role in shaping the storyline that leads into WrestleMania 42.
The stakes remain high because the success of this storyline depends on balancing the portrayal of Rhodes’ hesitation against Orton’s dominance without undermining the anticipated WrestleMania encounter. If WWE mishandles the narrative, it could jeopardize one of the event’s most anticipated matches.
With the tension escalating and the history between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton well-documented, the unfolding drama promises to keep WWE audiences on edge as WrestleMania 42 approaches.
