Original WrestleMania 42 Title Change Plan For Randy Orton Scrapped Weeks Before Show

Randy Orton was reportedly set to walk out of WrestleMania 42 as Undisputed WWE Champion — but that plan was changed in the final weeks before the show, leading to Cody Rhodes keeping the title instead.

According to multiple reports, WWE originally had plans in place for Orton to defeat Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 and capture his 15th world championship. However, that direction was shifted shortly before the event, with the company ultimately deciding to keep the championship on Rhodes.

Reports indicate the decision to change course happened late in the creative process, with one outlet noting Orton was initially scheduled to win before plans were adjusted.

Fightful Select also reported that there was serious internal discussion about Orton winning the title, but WWE finalized the decision within the last few weeks to have Rhodes retain instead of making the historic title change.

Orton earned his WrestleMania opportunity by winning the 2026 Men’s Elimination Chamber match, setting up his showdown with Rhodes on the biggest stage. The storyline leading into the match heavily featured Pat McAfee aligning with Orton, a direction that replaced an earlier creative idea involving Aleister Black attempting to push Orton back into his darker Apex Predator persona.

The decision to keep the title on Rhodes also appears tied to WWE’s long-term plans for the feud. Reports noted that WWE already intended for the rivalry between Rhodes and Orton to continue after WrestleMania, which influenced how the finish and aftermath were handled.

Instead of closing the story, the post-match attack was used to extend it. After Rhodes secured the win with Cross Rhodes, Orton struck him with the championship and delivered a punt kick, leaving the champion laid out in the ring as the show came to a close.

Rhodes paid a physical price for retaining the championship. During the match, Orton landed a punch that split Rhodes open, and his left eye was visibly swollen shut by the time the match ended. Following WrestleMania, Rhodes was placed in concussion protocol and pulled from a scheduled WWE World appearance on Sunday, with the severity of his injuries still being evaluated.

The late change in plans shows just how close WWE may have come to crowning Randy Orton as a 15-time world champion before ultimately sticking with Cody Rhodes as the face of the company moving forward.

Do you think WWE should have gone ahead with Randy Orton winning the title at WrestleMania 42, or was keeping the championship on Cody Rhodes the right call? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let us know.