The main event picture for WrestleMania 42 is reportedly undergoing a massive shift, and a significant title change may be imminent on Friday Night SmackDown. According to a new report from PWInsider Elite, WWE creative has locked in a specific, high-profile direction for the WWE Championship at the “Showcase of the Immortals.”
A “Legacy” Showdown in Las Vegas
The report indicates that the current planned direction is for Men’s Elimination Chamber winner Randy Orton to challenge “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes for the prestigious title. However, the current WWE Champion is Drew McIntyre. To facilitate this blockbuster matchup between former mentors and stablemates, WWE has booked McIntyre to defend the championship against Rhodes on the upcoming episode of SmackDown.
PWInsider suggests that Rhodes is heavily favored to win the match, capturing the title to officially set up the highly anticipated showdown with Orton. Citing a reliable WWE source, the report stressed that the decision to have McIntyre drop the championship is not a reflection of his recent performance or drawing power. Rather, the company is highly motivated to give fans the storied Rhodes versus Orton matchup on the grandest stage this year.
The creative pivot leaves McIntyre’s WrestleMania status somewhat uncertain. The report notes that “The Scottish Warrior” may end up wrestling the dangerous Jacob Fatu in Las Vegas. Alternatively, WWE could pivot once more and insert McIntyre back into the championship picture, creating a massive Triple Threat match. There is also an outside chance that McIntyre’s ongoing hostility with SmackDown General Manager Adam Pearce culminates in an in-ring confrontation at the event.