Randy Orton WrestleMania Title Win Plans Scrapped Weeks Before Show

Randy Orton was originally set to leave WrestleMania 42 as Undisputed WWE Champion before a late creative change saw Cody Rhodes retain the title.

According to multiple reports, including one from Fightful Select, the initial plan had Radny Orton winning the championship on the show, adding another world title reign to his record. However, that direction was altered in the final weeks leading into WrestleMania, with the decision ultimately shifting in favour of Cody Rhodes retaining.

Orton had earned his title opportunity by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match, positioning himself as the number one contender heading into the event. The build to the match drew attention due to the involvement of Pat McAfee, who aligned with Orton in a storyline that generated both interest and criticism. That direction replaced an earlier creative pitch centred around Aleister Black attempting to draw out a more aggressive version of Orton’s character.

The WrestleMania match itself was a physical encounter, with both competitors trading control throughout. Rhodes ultimately secured the victory with Cross Rhodes, retaining the championship despite sustaining visible damage during the contest. Orton split Rhodes open with a punch, and by the closing stages, Rhodes’ left eye had swollen shut.

Rather than serving as a definitive ending, the finish led directly into a continuation of the rivalry. After the match, Orton struck Rhodes with the championship belt before delivering a punt kick, leaving the champion laid out in the ring.

WWE Always Planned For Randy Orton & Cody Rhodes’ Feud Not To End At WrestleMania

Reports also indicate that WWE had planned for the feud to continue beyond WrestleMania, which played a role in the decision to move away from a conclusive finish on the night.

Randy Orton, a 14-time world champion, had been in line for what would have been a significant 15th title reign on the WrestleMania stage. Instead, Cody Rhodes continues his run at the top, having been a central figure in the WWE Undisputed Championship picture since winning the title at WrestleMania 40.

Following the match, Rhodes was placed in concussion protocol and pulled from a scheduled WWE World appearance. The severity of his injuries remains under evaluation.