The main event picture for the Undisputed WWE Championship has finally crystalized following weeks of internal creative shifts. According to Dave Meltzer in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Cody Rhodes is officially set to defend his title against Randy Orton in a traditional singles match at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Singles Match Locked in Despite Multi-Man Speculation
While recent television storylines involving Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu led to speculation of a triple threat or fatal four-way encounter, Meltzer reports that the match is currently a “lock” as a one-on-one contest. This direction follows a series of creative pivots that began early last month. Originally, the championship slot was intended for a marquee rematch between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, with significant internal discussion about placing that bout inside the Hell in a Cell structure.
However, the landscape shifted following a shoulder injury to Seth Rollins and the subsequent decision to have McIntyre carry the title through the winter. The current Rhodes vs. Orton direction was solidified when Orton began publicly referencing his pursuit of John Cena’s record of 17 world championships. With Rhodes recapturing the title from McIntyre on a recent episode of SmackDown, the path is now clear for the former “Legacy” stablemates to collide on the grandest stage of them all.
