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Report: What was originally pitched for Cody Rhodes vs. Drew McIntyre at WWE WrestleMania 42

Aaron Rift

According to PWInsider.com, the original pitch for the Undisputed WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42 was Drew McIntyre vs. Cody Rhodes in a Hell in a Cell match. Early internal creative discussions focused on the rivals ending their feud inside the structure after their storyline that began in late 2025, during which McIntyre held the title for 57 days. A HIAC match has not taken place in WWE since CM Punk vs. McIntyre at the 2024 Bad Blood PLE.

Plans have since changed, with Randy Orton now scheduled to face Cody for the title WrestleMania 42. The change highlights the history between Orton and Cody dating back to their time together in the Legacy faction.

McIntyre is still expected to have a role on the WrestleMania card and has been linked to a potential encounter with Jacob Fatu following the end of his title reign on the March 6th 2026 edition of WWE SmackDown. At this time, the match has not been officially announced.

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