Drew McIntyre’s recent WWE Championship win over Cody Rhodes on Friday Night SmackDown has triggered significant changes in WWE’s plans for WrestleMania 42. With McIntyre as the new WWE Champion, several possible championship matches are emerging for the event, creating a volatile landscape that WWE officials are actively navigating as the biggest show of the year approaches.
Jacob Fatu Joins Drew McIntyre and Cody Rhodes in WWE Championship Contention
Jacob Fatu has made a notable impact on McIntyre’s recent title victory by interfering in the match and targeting both McIntyre and Cody Rhodes. This involvement has set up potential animosity on multiple fronts, putting Fatu in line for a major spotlight at WrestleMania 42. Despite never having challenged for a world title in WWE, Fatu’s rising profile and escalating feud with McIntyre could earn him a place in a triple threat match alongside Rhodes, who remains eager to reclaim the championship after a controversial loss.
The buildup could mirror their conflict in the recent Three Stages of Hell match, signaling a strong possibility of a three-way bout at WrestleMania that would highlight Fatu’s ascent and intensify the rivalry among the three competitors.
The Potential Renewed Rivalry Between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton
There have been longstanding hints that WWE is preparing for a championship storyline involving Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, a feud fans have awaited for years. As Drew McIntyre’s reign as champion may be transitional, either Rhodes could regain the title in a rematch or Orton might capture another world championship, possibly at the upcoming Royal Rumble 2026 Premium Live Event.
Following McIntyre’s win before WrestleMania season, WWE appears poised to orchestrate a narrative culminating with Rhodes versus Orton, a match that was last seen at the Night of Champions in the King of the Ring finals but left fans wanting more. With one competitor turning heel, this renewed rivalry could finally reach WrestleMania’s grand stage with the dramatic intensity it deserves.
Longstanding Rivalry Could Culminate in Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns is expected to feature prominently at WrestleMania 42, likely in a marquee match for the WWE Championship. Facing off against Drew McIntyre, a familiar adversary with whom Reigns has a documented history, could offer Reigns a rare opportunity for a well-received babyface title victory at WrestleMania.
Reigns has not challenged for a world title as a babyface since 2018 and last won the WWE Title in that role in 2016, when his victory was poorly received. Given Reigns’ current popularity as a babyface, WWE may capitalize on this moment to deliver a satisfying win. The new direction could also prevent a potentially lukewarm babyface-versus-babyface match against Rhodes, allowing Reigns to defeat a villainous McIntyre instead.
Oba Femi’s Rise and Possible WWE Title Match Against Drew McIntyre
Oba Femi’s involvement on Saturday Night’s Main Event, where he clashed with Cody Rhodes and later traded blows with McIntyre, points to a burgeoning rivalry that could blossom into a WrestleMania 42 championship challenge. As Femi transitions to WWE’s main roster, his path to the title picture may involve seeking redemption against McIntyre, setting the stage for his WrestleMania debut in a high-profile match.
Though risky, if Femi were to win the Royal Rumble, it would instantly establish him as a top-tier star and inject fresh energy into the WWE Championship scene on SmackDown.
The Possibility of a Dream Match: Roman Reigns vs. The Rock
Speculation surrounds a potential blockbuster between Roman Reigns and The Rock at WrestleMania 42, sparked by rumored last-minute changes in WWE’s lineup. If The Rock decides to return to in-ring competition, WWE might alter its current plans to allow Reigns to first claim the WWE Championship from McIntyre, then defend it against The Rock on the grand stage.
This matchup has been attempted to be booked for years and remains a fan-favorite dream encounter. However, WWE may also choose to delay this confrontation, potentially saving it for a future event in Saudi Arabia rather than WrestleMania 42.
Sami Zayn’s Pursuit of the WWE Championship Against Drew McIntyre
Sami Zayn’s ambition to capture the WWE Championship was recently highlighted on SmackDown in 2026, creating a new avenue for title contention. Zayn’s history with McIntyre and their unresolved conflicts provide a compelling background for a WrestleMania encounter. Many fans are eager to witness Zayn finally claim world title gold after years of consistent performance and popularity without reaching the pinnacle.
Zayn securing the 2026 Royal Rumble victory and challenging McIntyre at WrestleMania would deliver a satisfying narrative steeped in their longstanding rivalry. This storyline could introduce a feel-good moment for the audience and offer a meaningful twist in WWE’s evolving championship picture.
