WWE’s Current Direction for Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 42 Revealed

WWE is headed for Round 3 between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes, and it’s shaping up to be the most personal yet.

After their staredown at Survivor Series WarGames, fans immediately picked up on the signal — Reigns and Rhodes weren’t done. That cold, tension-filled moment in the ring was more than just a callback; it was confirmation of the direction heading into Las Vegas 2026.

But according to a new report from Self Made Pro, WWE’s creative team didn’t settle on that match until very recently — and the OTC himself played a key role in steering the ship.

“So, on November 11th of this year, we were sitting on two possible scenarios for WrestleMania. Scenario one: Roman Reigns vs. Bron Breakker at Mania, and CM Punk vs. Cody. For the longest time, the plan was Punk vs. Cody, and Seth vs. Roman. That was locked in. Then the updated plan became Punk vs. Cody and Bron vs. Roman.”

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Behind closed doors, however, Roman Reigns made it known he preferred another matchup — and that reshaped the entire road to WrestleMania 42.

“There was another option that some people in WWE were into—and Roman himself liked—if it was on his terms: Punk vs. Bron Breakker, and Roman vs. Cody.”

That pitch ended up winning out. But it wasn’t as simple as flipping a script. A major creative meeting had to take place before anything was finalized.

“Here’s the deal with all of this. At the time, I asked, ‘Is Cody vs. Roman happening?’ And the answer was: it’s totally up in the air. It depends. A creative meeting had to happen to get everyone on the same page. An agreement was eventually reached.”

The agreement? Roman Reigns will enter the 2026 Royal Rumble — as a babyface — and win it. That’s how he’s punching his ticket to WrestleMania 42, where he’ll try to take back the championship he lost to Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 40.

“Roman Reigns is going to win the Royal Rumble as a babyface. He’s going to frame it as a redemption story, and he’s just going to beat Cody Rhodes and win the championship.”

Meanwhile, Dave Meltzer confirmed the plans on Wrestling Observer Radio, saying:

“The whole thing when we come out of this match, the idea is we’re supposed to know WrestleMania — which is Cody and Roman, and Punk and Bron Breakker are the championship matches.”

This will mark the third WrestleMania bout between Reigns and Rhodes. Cody ended Roman’s epic title run at Mania 40, but now WWE is flipping the script. Roman’s “redemption story” is being set up as the centerpiece of this next chapter.

One thing’s for sure: WrestleMania 42 is now a trilogy finale. Rhodes vs. Reigns III will determine more than just the championship — it’s about legacy, revenge and who walks out as the true face of WWE.

What do you think about Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns happening again? Was WWE right to go this route, or should someone new be in the main event scene? Let us know your thoughts in the comments — we want to hear what you would book!

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