WWE has reportedly overhauled its creative direction for “WrestleMania 42.” One of the most anticipated matches of the weekend has been seemingly removed from the card.
According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the company’s plans changed dramatically on Wednesday, January 7th. This is when the decision was made to have Drew McIntyre defeat Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship on “SmackDown.”
The title change, which aired on the January 9 episode, has had a ripple effect on the rest of the lineup. Meltzer noted that the previously planned main event of Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns III is “probably not happening” as a result of the switch.
“This whole WrestleMania changed on Wednesday of last week when they made the decision to go with the McIntyre title win. That wasn’t decided until Wednesday,” Meltzer said.
Following “Survivor Series” and the Men’s WarGames match, Rhodes vs. Reigns was heavily teased and widely considered to be the lock for the main event in Las Vegas. With that match now in doubt, speculation has turned to what will replace it. Meltzer indicated that a multi-man match is being discussed, though nothing is set in stone.
“I don’t know what the new matches are, although they may be doing a three-way with McIntyre, Jacob Fatu, and Cody Rhodes. That may not necessarily be at Mania, and that’s not even 100 per cent, but I was told that’s kind of like a possibility.
But the Cody Rhodes-Roman Reigns thing is probably not happening. Whatever it is, the Mania plans were changed on Wednesday when they made the decision to change the championship,” Meltzer added.
The sudden pivot adds a layer of uncertainty to the “Road to WrestleMania.” With McIntyre now holding the gold, the dynamic of the “Royal Rumble” on January 31 in Saudi Arabia becomes even more critical. If the company is indeed leaning toward a Triple Threat involving Jacob Fatu, the Rumble match itself could serve as the vehicle to get there.
“WrestleMania 42” will emanate from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19. As the card begins to take shape, fans will be watching closely to see how McIntyre’s new reign influences the top of the card and where Roman Reigns fits into the picture without the championship on the line.