Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes Scrapped for WrestleMania 42? Real Reason WWE Pulled the Plug Revealed
For months, WWE fans believed one thing was inevitable. Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes were on a collision course again, with WrestleMania 42 expected to deliver their next massive chapter. The signs were there, the expectations were sky-high, and most assumed it was only a matter of time before WWE made it official.
Now, that plan is reportedly off the table.
According to multiple backstage reports, WWE has quietly removed the Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes match from its current WrestleMania 42 blueprint, sending shockwaves through long-term creative plans.
What Forced WWE to Change Course
The sudden shift is believed to be tied directly to Drew McIntyre’s unexpected championship win on SmackDown. While the moment stunned fans, it also triggered a major domino effect behind the scenes. Once the title picture changed, WWE reportedly had to rework the entire WrestleMania layout, including where and how Roman Reigns would fit into the main event scene.
Insiders suggest the company felt locked into a creative corner and chose to reset rather than force a storyline that no longer lined up with the new championship direction.
Plans Changed Late and Fast
Updates indicate the decision was made late last week, with the impact felt immediately across WWE’s creative plans. Dave Meltzer has noted that the Reigns-Rhodes match is “probably not happening,” a sentiment echoed by several other outlets. While WWE has yet to comment publicly, the consistency of these reports points to a very real change in direction.
What Could Replace Reigns vs. Rhodes
With the original plan shelved, WWE is now exploring fresh options for WrestleMania 42. One idea being discussed internally is a blockbuster triple threat involving Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu. Even that concept is said to be flexible, highlighting just how open the Road to WrestleMania has suddenly become.
As for Roman Reigns, his future remains unclear. He is expected to return around the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but his WrestleMania role is still being figured out. Whether WWE is saving him for a bigger payoff or reshaping his story entirely remains to be seen.
One thing is certain: WrestleMania 42 no longer looks as predictable as fans once believed.
