On the 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber post-show, Nick Aldis made a large announcement. Since Drew McIntyre cost Cody Rhodes the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, Aldis announced a title match for the upcoming SmackDown. It can be McIntyre defending his Undisputed WWE Championship against Rhodes on the blue brand.
During a recent edition of the “Self Made Session” podcast, Self Made Pro mentioned that, in accordance with Cody’s camp, he might beat McIntyre for the title on SmackDown. This manner, fans would witness a Rhodes vs. Randy Orton match at WrestleMania 42. It was noted,
“I used to be told on February 2nd, straight up and explicitly, that the WWE Championship match — in accordance with Cody’s camp — was Cody versus Randy Orton. I used to be explicitly told that. Cody’s camp was told as of early February that he was going to be getting a Randy Orton match.”
“Cody is a believer in that match and a believer in that program. We’ll see what they find yourself doing. We’ll see in the event that they follow that.”
Analyst Wants Rhodes To Turn Heel In WWE Ahead Of WrestleMania 42
In a recent episode of the “Notsam Wrestling” podcast, Sam Roberts claimed that WWE should pull the trigger on Rhodes’ heel turn. He said,
“I believe, if it were as much as me at once, I end night one in all WrestleMania with Cody Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship against Randy Orton and Cody turning heel at WrestleMania. I believe that’s where I’m going.”
“Cody returned at WrestleMania 38 as the largest babyface on this planet, and it took him all of the solution to 39 to 40 to 41. 4 years of this massive babyface run that’s as effective as anything has ever been.”
“I believe WWE getting a shot within the arm of like, ‘Whoa, foundationally things have modified.’ And here’s Cody’s motivation as a heel if this the best way you go – it’s, ‘You would like me. You would like me to be the champion. You would like me to QB1. And you possibly can’t have Randy Orton as a 15-time champion.’”
“The concept Randy Orton goes into WrestleMania and he might change into 15-time champion – if Randy Orton becomes 15-time champion, then Randy Orton no less than tying John Cena’s record at 17 becomes feasible. The difference between 14 and 17 looks like loads. The difference between 15 and 17 seems attainable.”

