The much-anticipated Roman Reigns WrestleMania 42 match has reportedly been canceled due to major changes behind the scenes at WWE. With over three months remaining until the event in Las Vegas, plans for a trilogy match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes have been scrapped following key decisions by WWE’s creative team.
Major Changes in WrestleMania 42 Planning
WWE fans had long speculated about Roman Reigns clashing with Cody Rhodes for a third and decisive time at the so-called “Showcase of the Immortals.” The two superstars each hold a victory over the other—Reigns lost his Undisputed WWE Championship to Rhodes during the main event of WrestleMania XL, creating high expectations for a rubber match.
Last year, WWE began hinting at a conclusive showdown, especially after their joint defeat at Survivor Series: WarGames. The storyline built towards what appeared to be an inevitable trilogy to settle the score.
Recent rumors suggested that Roman Reigns versus Cody Rhodes III was initially scheduled for WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas. However, with Cody Rhodes losing his Undisputed WWE Championship, those plans shifted rapidly.
According to a report from Wrestling Observer Radio, the creative team, led by Triple H, decided last Wednesday to alter the main event direction and shift focus to Drew McIntyre. This pivot meant moving away from the originally considered Reigns-Rhodes matchup.
New Main Event Prospects Emerge
Currently, WWE is working on an alternative headlining match. Instead of the previously rumored one-on-one contest, there is now talk of a three-way bout involving Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes as WrestleMania 42 approaches.
“This whole WrestleMania changed on Wednesday of last week when they made the decision to go with the [Drew] McIntyre title win. That wasn’t decided until Wednesday… they may be doing a three-way with Drew McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes. That may not necessarily be at ‘Mania, and that’s not even 100 per cent, but I was told that’s kind of like a possibility.”
– Wrestling Observer Radio
The abrupt creative change means the highly awaited Roman Reigns versus Cody Rhodes III showdown is no longer planned for The Grandest Stage of Them All.
“But the Cody Rhodes-Roman Reigns thing is probably not happening. Whatever it is, the ‘Mania plans were changed on Wednesday when they made the decision to change the championship.”
(H/T – Cultaholic) – Wrestling Observer Radio
The Uncertain Return of Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns, known as the Tribal Chief, has not appeared on WWE television since the Survivor Series: WarGames event. Previously, he teased possible feuds against CM Punk or Cody Rhodes, but the recent loss of Rhodes’ title has put a halt to those potential storylines.
Another avenue remains open, as Reigns could still challenge CM Punk, known as “The Best in the World,” now that Punk holds the World Heavyweight Championship. Reigns’ image appears on the official Royal Rumble poster, implying his return might coincide with the upcoming premium live event.
If Reigns enters and wins the 30-man Battle Royal in Saudi Arabia, he could face Drew McIntyre in a rematch reminiscent of their previous Clash at the Castle encounter. However, McIntyre would need to retain his title leading up to WrestleMania 42 for this match to materialize.
What’s Next for WWE’s Top Superstars?
With the Roman Reigns WrestleMania 42 match now off the table, WWE’s path to the big event has taken a dramatic turn. The creative shakeup signals uncertainty but also opens doors for new rivalries and unexpected championship pursuits. As the event nears and rosters shift, attention will be on how storylines adjust and which marquee matches take center stage in Las Vegas.
Roman Reigns vs Cody Rhodes has reportedly been scrapped from WrestleMania plans following Drew McIntyre's WWE Championship win.
"This whole WrestleMania changed on Wednesday of last week when they made the decision to go with the McIntyre title win. That wasn’t decided until… pic.twitter.com/oDopSncqtn
— Cultaholic Wrestling (@Cultaholic) January 13, 2026
Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes has reportedly been scrapped from WrestleMania 42 plans following Drew McIntyre’s WWE Undisputed Championship win.
WWE may instead be considering a three way match with McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes down the line.
(via WOR) pic.twitter.com/gRCYeJcrrk
— EliteRockerz 𝕏 (@EliteClubS0B) January 13, 2026
