As the landscape of WWE shifts following the dramatic Undisputed WWE Championship title change in Berlin, Roman Reigns faces several compelling paths for WrestleMania 42. With Drew McIntyre claiming the championship and Cody Rhodes dethroned, wrestling fans are eager to see who will emerge as Roman Reigns’ WrestleMania 42 opponents on the biggest stage of the year.
Drew McIntyre: The Champion Awaits a Rematch
The recent Three Stages of Hell Match on WWE SmackDown in Berlin saw Drew McIntyre seize the Undisputed WWE Championship from Cody Rhodes, aided by the return of Jacob Fatu. This dramatic win has positioned McIntyre at the center of WWE’s main event scene for WrestleMania 42. Rumors have swirled about McIntyre possibly reviving his Bloodline Hunter persona, setting up a potentially huge showdown with Reigns.
Reigns and McIntyre have a storied rivalry, notably clashing at Clash at the Castle 2022 where Reigns previously emerged victorious. With McIntyre now reigning as champion, a rematch on the grand stage would not only reignite past tensions but also offer Reigns a chance to challenge for the title he once targeted before Survivor Series WarGames.
Jacob Fatu: Rising Samoan Star Sets His Sights
Jacob Fatu made a significant impact with his dramatic return during WWE SmackDown, directly affecting the championship picture by inserting himself in the main event. Although Fatu’s initial focus seemed to be on Drew McIntyre, he quickly turned his attention toward the former champion Cody Rhodes. However, as Cody may conclude his feud with Fatu in the near future, new opportunities open for Fatu.
Speculation now centers on Fatu targeting Roman Reigns, with the possibility of a high-stakes match for the Ula Fala and the coveted ‘Head of the Table’ position. Such a matchup could become one of WrestleMania’s most electrifying bouts, as Fatu is recognized as one of the most powerful competitors currently on the blue brand.
Cody Rhodes: Settling the Score Without Championship Stakes
For the past two WrestleManias, the saga between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has been intertwined with the Undisputed Championship. This time, with Rhodes no longer holding gold, the storyline could shift toward a purely personal rivalry. Tensions between the two have been simmering, especially after their teaming ended definitively at Survivor Series WarGames, where Reigns made it clear an alliance would never happen again.
This development could lead to the completion of their WrestleMania trilogy, with both men vying for closure in a grudge match that prioritizes pride and redemption over championship accolades, offering fans a fresh layer to their ongoing feud.
CM Punk: A World Heavyweight Champion Confrontation
CM Punk’s prominence in the WWE main event scene continues after successfully defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker on WWE RAW. Reigns, who previously discussed his ambitions for another world title run while in the ring with both Punk and Rhodes, might cross paths with Punk at WrestleMania 42.
Having main-evented night one of WrestleMania 41 opposite Seth Rollins, Punk stands as a formidable opponent for the coming year’s showpiece event. Options exist for Reigns to set up this blockbuster bout: winning the Men’s Royal Rumble Match, or sparking a direct confrontation by attacking Punk to ignite a personal rivalry. Their intertwined past and high-profile statuses make this scenario highly plausible and appealing to WWE fans.
The upcoming WrestleMania 42 presents Roman Reigns with a range of high-stakes matches, each with its own unique history and storyline potential. Whether facing a vengeful Drew McIntyre, a surging Jacob Fatu, a determined Cody Rhodes, or a dominant CM Punk, Reigns’ next steps will play a pivotal role in shaping WWE’s headline narratives in the months to come.
Run this feud back.
Heel Drew vs Roman.
Wrestlemania 42 pic.twitter.com/jwIpG8uJfZ
— Roman Reigns SZN 💥 (@reigns_era) January 9, 2026
