After WWE Survivor Series 2025, rumors emerged about a third Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns headlining WrestleMania 42. However, Drew McIntyre disrupted these expectations by defeating Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9 episode of Friday Night SmackDown, claiming the Undisputed WWE Championship and casting uncertainty over the originally planned title bout.
New Main Event Possibilities Emerge
McIntyre’s championship victory opens up several fresh scenarios for WrestleMania 42’s headline match. Among nine possible main event matchups, a showdown between Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship has gained strong attention. McIntyre, known as The Scottish Warrior, appears poised to embark on a substantial championship reign leading into the April event.
Despite earlier speculation about a rematch with Cody Rhodes, Roman Reigns remains a strong contender, especially since he is widely expected to win the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble Match on January 31. Such an outcome could set up the first WrestleMania main event clash between Reigns and McIntyre in four years, a rivalry fueled by past confrontations including an infamous moment at Clash At The Castle 2022 where outside interference changed the course for McIntyre’s title ambitions.
Potential Impact on WWE Storylines and Fans’ Expectations
Should McIntyre and Reigns face off at WrestleMania 42, it would provide fans with a long-awaited showdown between two of WWE’s top stars, potentially elevating the event’s prestige. McIntyre’s recent ascent and Reigns’ continued dominance create a compelling narrative that could be a defining storyline for WWE heading into mid-2026. Observers will watch closely to see if any title changes occur before WrestleMania or if WWE solidifies this matchup as its marquee contest.
