Overview
- WWE has confirmed Cody Rhodes will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42 on April 18–19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, with CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns also listed on the card.
- Rhodes regained the title from Drew McIntyre on March 6 on SmackDown in a finish influenced by Jacob Fatu, and McIntyre is now being linked to a non‑title program with Fatu, according to multiple reports.
- PWInsider and other insider outlets report an earlier plan for Rhodes vs. McIntyre inside Hell in a Cell was dropped, and Wrestling Observer reporting suggests WWE intends to keep Rhodes vs. Orton a one‑on‑one match.
- Forbes reports the broader WrestleMania lineup remains in flux due to injuries to stars such as Bianca Belair, Bron Breakker and Seth Rollins, and Deadspin reports Road Dogg stepped down as SmackDown’s lead writer.
- Newsweek documents fan backlash to Rhodes’ tweet about main‑eventing a fourth straight WrestleMania, and a separate report claims Rhodes advocated for facing Orton at the event.