As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the Raw main event draws attention with CM Punk defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, but the SmackDown side faces turmoil. Drew McIntyre, who once held the WWE Championship and shared a lengthy rivalry with Cody Rhodes, now finds himself out of the WrestleMania main event picture after losing the title. The decision came shortly after Randy Orton’s victory at the Elimination Chamber, which led to Cody Rhodes securing the WWE Championship and a slated WrestleMania showdown against Orton.
This sudden shake-up disappointed many fans who felt McIntyre’s status was undervalued, especially considering the exhaustive build-up to his WrestleMania bout. The original WWE storyline reportedly included a Hell in a Cell match at WrestleMania between McIntyre and Rhodes, highlighting the company’s initial plans before opting for a different direction.
Background of McIntyre and Rhodes’ Rivalry Leading to WrestleMania
Cody Rhodes, hailed as a beloved face of the WWE, has been at the center of ongoing storyline focus despite criticism of his reigns being underwhelming. Following his win over the Tribal Chief at WrestleMania 40 and regaining the title from John Cena at SummerSlam, Rhodes’ championship tenure had appeared stagnant until his feud with Drew McIntyre reignited fan interest.
The Scottish Warrior fought hard to reclaim a place at the top, enduring losses to Rhodes at Wrestlepalooza and Saturday Night’s Main Event. His breakthrough victory for the WWE Championship on SmackDown in January marked a major turning point. With Jacob Fatu reemerging and influencing match outcomes through interference, the rivalry seemed destined to continue gaining intensity heading into WrestleMania 42.
According to wrestling journalist Mike Johnson of PWInsider, WWE’s early booking included a Hell in a Cell match between McIntyre and Rhodes at WrestleMania. This plan sought to add drama by escalating their feud inside the iconic structure, possibly elevating the event’s stakes considerably.
Why WWE Avoided Using Hell in a Cell for This Feud
Originally, Hell in a Cell matches were rare and reserved for feuds with deep animosity and personal vendettas. Debuting in the late 1990s, these censured bouts featured brutal, violent encounters that captivated audiences, including legendary matches like The Undertaker versus Mick Foley. The unforgiving design created a sense of finality and danger that made each match an event unto itself.
However, during WWE’s bloodless PG era, the frequency of Hell in a Cell matches increased and their impact diminished, undermining the match’s special nature. It further suffered when WWE dedicated an entire Premium Live Event around it, turning the concept into a routine spectacle rather than a climactic feud resolution, similar to how WarGames is currently misapplied by being forced into Survivor Series.
Despite this dilution, performers like Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre demonstrated Hell in a Cell’s potential through their prior encounters with Seth Rollins and CM Punk, proving the stipulation can still hold dramatic weight. Still, WWE felt that imposing a Hell in a Cell match on an already well-trodden rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre would appear uninspired and desperate. Instead of reinvigorating the feud, it risked alienating viewers by recycling a setting fans no longer found compelling for this storyline.
Fan Backlash and Comparisons Amid WrestleMania Booking Controversy
Social media has been ablaze with criticism following the announcement that Cody Rhodes will headline WrestleMania 42 for the WWE Championship against Randy Orton. Many fans perceive this as a repetitive push for Rhodes, likening his sustained prominence to figures such as Hulk Hogan, John Cena, and Roman Reigns, all of whom have faced backlash for repeatedly dominating the spotlight.
The comparison has sparked polarized reactions, including some boos aimed at Rhodes during recent events. Observers contend that WWE’s decision risks overexposing Rhodes and potentially diminishing his popularity, much like what happened to Cena and Reigns when their repeated main event appearances grew wearisome to portions of the fanbase.
Some supporters argue that a match between McIntyre and Orton, with Rhodes taking on Jacob Fatu, would have provided a fresher WrestleMania landscape, sparing Rhodes from a challenging reception and allowing McIntyre another chance to shine at the event.
Potential for Drew McIntyre’s Return to WrestleMania’s Spotlight
The divergence from an initially planned Hell in a Cell contest and McIntyre’s absence from WrestleMania’s top billing raises questions about whether WWE may revisit their decision. The strong negative reaction from the internet wrestling community, which feels McIntyre was unfairly sidelined, might prompt the company to reconsider the lineup for WrestleMania 42 night one.
Should WWE reevaluate and grant Drew McIntyre a prominent match again, it would reflect recognition of his deserved stature in the company and responsiveness to fan sentiment. However, fans remain hopeful that if he does return to the title scene, WWE will avoid repeating the flawed decision to involve a triple threat Hell in a Cell match, which was widely deemed an uninspired concept.
