WWE is reportedly closing in on its creative direction for the WWE Championship match at WrestleMania 42, with Drew McIntyre’s first defence as champion expected to headline the show.
According to Dave Meltzer in Friday’s Wrestling Observer Newsletter, WWE is currently weighing two main scenarios for the title bout. The leading ideas are either a straight singles rematch between McIntyre and Cody Rhodes or a triple threat match that would also feature Jacob Fatu.
“The two ideas for Mania at this point are a three-way for the title with Rhodes, Fatu and McIntyre, or just McIntyre vs. Rhodes,” Meltzer reported.
Fatu’s involvement stems from his interference during the Three Stages of Hell match on the January 9 episode of SmackDown, where his actions inadvertently helped McIntyre retain the championship. While not originally positioned as a title contender, the moment has placed Fatu firmly into the conversation as a potential WrestleMania challenger.
What Match Does Dave Meltzer Think Drew McIntyre Will Be In At WrestleMania?
Dave Meltzer noted that, from a booking perspective, a singles match for Drew McIntyre may be the cleaner option with both the Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber still to come. WWE will need clear winners at each event, which could make it easier to funnel Cody Rhodes back into the title picture without complicating the road to WrestleMania.
“The straight match is easier because there has to be a single winner at the Rumble and at the Chamber,” Meltzer wrote. “So Rhodes winning the Chamber, could be Rumble but my gut is Chamber makes the most sense, would get him in.”
That said, Meltzer added that WWE could pivot quickly if it decides to raise the stakes.
“There are always ways to get Fatu in if need be,”
He noted, leaving the door open for Jacob Fatu to headline WrestleMania alongside two established main eventers. With the Royal Rumble set for January 31, WWE’s championship picture is expected to come into sharper focus soon.
