Sports
Huge Backstage Update on WWE’s Plans Ahead of WrestleMania 42
It is widely known that Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes could face off for a third singles match at WrestleMania 42, but there’s plenty going on behind the scenes for how the pair get to their long-awaited trilogy bout, and whether it take place at ‘Mania at all.
Reigns is expected to appear on SmackDown in the not-too-distant future, with fans clamouring for a bout between the pair to reignite the generational feud. Reports have also suggested a possibility that the pair could be involved in a storyline outside of WrestleMania 42.
Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes’ Rivalry Explored
The rivalry between the pair ignited at WrestleMania 39, where Reigns defended his Universal Championship title, with Rhodes establishing himself as a leading contender against WWE’s top heel.
Rhodes then returned to WrestleMania 40, dethroning Reigns to become the Undisputed WWE Champion in a match contested under “Bloodline Rules,” with the title remaining with Rhodes to this day.
Speculation over a trilogy fight came at the recent Survivor Series, where Rhodes and Reigns closed the show exchanging heated words, sparking the restoration of their feud.
This led to the theory that Reigns and Rhodes could meet for a third singles match at WrestleMania 42 later this year, with further updates regarding The Tribal Chief having emerged.
Fans have thrown out a host of names they would like to see Cody face at WrestleMania 42, including household names such as Randy Orton and CM Punk. However, fan consensus seems to always circle back round to Rhodes vs Reigns.
What’s Been Said About Plans For Roman Reigns
They may soon have what they asked for, with the latest edition of Self Made Sessions claiming that Reigns is slated to appear on SmackDown ‘soon.’
While this does not guarantee a Reigns vs Rhodes III showdown at WrestleMania 42, it does suggest that the match could still be on the cards.
Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer reports that a WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns is confirmed to be planned. However, the bout may not take place at this year’s Showcase of the Immortals. Instead, the two may feature in other storylines at WrestleMania 42, with their title clash potentially happening later in 2026.
Meltzer wrote: “It’s been confirmed to us that a Rhodes vs Reigns match for the WWE title is in the plans, although not necessarily at WrestleMania.
“(Seth) Rollins vs (Bron) Breakker, Reigns vs CM Punk, and Rhodes against someone else could be done. Rollins has talked about wanting to wrestle at ‘Mania. We’ve been told this week that it is a possibility, but it’s too early to determine if it can happen.”
With Reigns and Rhodes tied at 1-1, a match to complete the trilogy would be a fitting end to their feud.
WrestleMania 42 is coming to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, for an unforgettable two-night showdown on the 18th and 19th of April.
