Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton Set for WrestleMania 42 Clash After Brutal SmackDown Confrontation
Cody Rhodes is officially set to defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42, following a shocking and brutal contract signing on the March 13, 2026, episode of SmackDown. The match, confirmed by Wrestling Inc., comes after weeks of build-up and a shift in plans that initially considered Drew McIntyre as Rhodes’ opponent.
Orton Turns on Rhodes in Explosive Segment
The contract signing began with a respectful tone, as Rhodes reflected on Orton’s influence on his career, recalling their first match in 2007 and admiring Orton’s past successes, including winning the Royal Rumble and headlining WrestleMania. Rhodes encouraged Orton to embrace his darker side, to give in to “the voices” in his head during their match. But, Orton quickly turned aggressive, attacking Rhodes before he could finish his thought.
Orton smashed Rhodes’ face into a table, kicked him in the groin, and threw him outside the ring, continuing the assault with a headbutt against the steel steps, drawing blood. Despite a momentary seem of regret, Orton resumed his attack, dragging Rhodes onto the ring steps and cradling his head against them. The beatdown was briefly interrupted by Grammy-winner Jelly Roll, a friend to both men, who was then shoved aside by Orton. Orton then returned with a steel chair, further assaulting Rhodes before sitting in a chair with the Undisputed WWE Championship on his lap.
Other SmackDown Highlights
SmackDown likewise featured several other notable moments:
- Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howey & Erick Rowan) defeated The MFTs (Solo Sikoa & Tama Tonga) after Howey hit Sikoa with Sister Abigail.
- Jade Cargill defeated Michin via pinfall with Jaded, leading to a challenge from Rhea Ripley ahead of their WrestleMania match.
- Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend) defeated Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair by disqualification after Brie Bella attacked Jax, with Nikki Bella also caught in the crossfire.
- Damian Priest & R-Truth defeated Los Garza (Angel and Berto) via pinfall.
- Jelly Roll confronted The Miz on “Miz TV,” resulting in a punch from Jelly Roll.
- Tiffany Stratton defeated Kiana James via pinfall with the Prettiest Moonsault Ever.
- Trick Williams defeated Jacob Fatu via pinfall with Trick Shot after interference from Drew McIntyre, leading to a match between Fatu and McIntyre next week.
WWE’s Path to WrestleMania 42
The decision to pit Rhodes against Orton at WrestleMania 42 followed several changes in plans, according to Wrestling Observer Newsletter sources. Initial considerations included a Hell in a Cell match between Rhodes and Roman Reigns, and later, a potential match between McIntyre and Rhodes. Orton’s victory at the Elimination Chamber in February set the stage for his challenge to Rhodes’ title.
Fan Reaction and Orton’s Heel Turn
The shift to Orton as a heel (villain) has been well-received, with Orton excelling in the role. YouTube videos show Rhodes acknowledging mixed fan reactions, particularly regarding his role as the champion heading into the match against Orton. CBS Sports graded the segment a B+, noting that although WWE took a “safe route” by turning Orton, the execution was effective and the match has been highly anticipated.