Randy Orton’s Elimination Chamber Victory Sets Up WrestleMania 42 Showdown
The 2026 WWE Elimination Chamber event culminated in a controversial victory for Randy Orton, setting the stage for a complex path to WrestleMania 42. The chaotic main event involved interference from Undisputed WWE Champion Drew McIntyre and a dramatic turn from Orton himself.
McIntyre’s Interference and Orton’s Win
During the Men’s Elimination Chamber match, Drew McIntyre interfered, initially preventing Jacob Fatu from qualifying. He later entered the structure and attacked Cody Rhodes with the Undisputed WWE Championship belt. While Cody Rhodes initially fought back with assistance from Randy Orton, who delivered an RKO to McIntyre, Orton immediately followed up with a second RKO to Rhodes to secure the pinfall victory. This win earned Orton a spot to challenge for the title at WrestleMania 42. Source: WWE
Post-Show Confrontation and Title Match Announcement
Following the Elimination Chamber, tensions escalated between SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis and Drew McIntyre. Aldis expressed his frustration with McIntyre’s repeated interference and “self-sabotage,” leading to a heated confrontation that nearly became physical. Source: WWE
As a direct result of McIntyre’s actions, Aldis announced that Drew McIntyre will defend the Undisputed WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes this Friday night on SmackDown. Source: WWE McIntyre reacted angrily to the decision, resulting in a pull-apart brawl with security as he attempted to confront Aldis.
The Road to WrestleMania 42
With Randy Orton now confirmed as a WrestleMania 42 challenger, the main event picture remains uncertain. The outcome of this Friday’s title defense between McIntyre and Rhodes will determine whether Orton faces McIntyre or Rhodes in Las Vegas on April 19.
Previous Confrontations
The rivalry between McIntyre, Rhodes, and Orton has been building for some time. Drew McIntyre previously injured Cody Rhodes in August, putting the WWE Champion on the injured list. Source: Cageside Seats Cody Rhodes returned to WWE on September 12, 2025, attacking McIntyre after McIntyre defeated Randy Orton on SmackDown. Source: YouTube and Source: Wrestleview
“The champ is back, and he’ll see McIntyre on Sept. 20 at Wrestlepalooza.”