Major title change planned for WWE SmackDown this week - Report
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Cody Rhodes might have a different route to get to WrestleMania 42
The road to WrestleMania 42 may be heading toward another dramatic twist. With the Showcase of the Immortals just weeks away, a major change is reportedly being planned for the Undisputed WWE Championship picture.
And if the latest internal expectation proves accurate, the title could change hands on WWE SmackDown this Friday.
Currently, WWE has several marquee matches already confirmed for WrestleMania, including Liv Morgan challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, Rhea Ripley facing Jade Cargill for the Women’s Championship, and Roman Reigns taking on CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. However, the direction of the Undisputed WWE Championship match has remained uncertain.
Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton now the expected direction for WrestleMania 42
As things stand, Drew McIntyre holds the Undisputed WWE Championship and is scheduled to defend it against Cody Rhodes this Friday on SmackDown.
The match was originally set up after McIntyre interfered in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match. That interference helped Randy Orton win the bout, earning a guaranteed title opportunity at WrestleMania.
In response, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis penalised McIntyre by forcing him to defend the championship against Rhodes.
While many initially expected the Scottish Warrior to retain, new information suggests a different outcome may already be planned.
According to a report from PWInsider Elite, the current direction inside WWE is for Rhodes to defeat McIntyre on SmackDown and head into WrestleMania as champion. If that happens, the WrestleMania title match would become Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton.
Why WWE reportedly changed its WrestleMania plans?
The WrestleMania main event plans have reportedly gone through several revisions in recent weeks. Injuries and creative adjustments have both played a role in reshaping the card.
Earlier ideas reportedly included CM Punk vs Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship and McIntyre defending the Undisputed title against Rhodes.
At one stage, there were also discussions about turning the match into a multi-man contest involving Jacob Fatu. However, WWE appears to have pivoted toward delivering the long-awaited Rhodes vs Orton showdown.
One source emphasized that the decision “was not a shot at Drew McIntyre’s work,” but rather an effort to present a fresh and exciting WrestleMania match.
Orton’s Elimination Chamber victory was reportedly designed as a “nice surprise” to generate momentum heading into the event.
If the plan holds, Rhodes could regain the championship on WWE SmackDown before defending it against Orton at WrestleMania.
What’s next for Drew McIntyre?
While the potential WrestleMania direction for Rhodes and Orton is becoming clearer, McIntyre’s role remains uncertain.
Several options are reportedly being discussed internally. A match against Jacob Fatu is considered one possibility, while a triple-threat scenario could still be revisited.
Another intriguing long-shot idea involves McIntyre facing SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis in what would be Aldis’ first WWE in-ring match.
For now, however, everything hinges on what happens this Friday night. If the reported plan unfolds, SmackDown could feature one of the biggest title changes of the year.
Is a title change expected on WWE SmackDown this week?
Reports indicate there is an internal expectation that Cody Rhodes could defeat Drew McIntyre to win the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Who would Cody Rhodes face at WrestleMania if he wins?
If Rhodes captures the title, he is expected to defend it against Randy Orton, who won the Men’s Elimination Chamber match.
Why did WWE reportedly change the WrestleMania plan?
Sources say the decision “was not a shot at Drew McIntyre’s work,” but rather an effort to deliver the anticipated Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton match.
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