Randy Orton’s Heel Turn Shakes WWE Ahead of WrestleMania 42: Updated Card and How to Watch

The road to WrestleMania 42 took a dramatic turn on the March 13, 2026, episode of WWE SmackDown, as Randy Orton decisively turned heel, attacking Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. This development has reshaped the landscape heading into the “Show of the Immortals” in Las Vegas, with Rhodes now set to defend his title against Orton in a featured match.

Orton’s Assault on Rhodes

During a contract signing for their WrestleMania 42 championship match, tensions escalated quickly. Rhodes recounted his journey leaving and returning to WWE, acknowledging Orton’s past support. Orton, however, revealed a starkly different perspective, stating that Drew McIntyre was originally intended to be Rhodes’ opponent and that facing Rhodes was not his preferred scenario.

The situation rapidly devolved into a brutal attack. Orton slammed Rhodes’ head into the table, ripped his clothing, and continued the assault outside the ring, using the steel steps to inflict further damage, leaving Rhodes busted open. Even the intervention of Jelly Roll and numerous WWE officials couldn’t stop Orton, who ultimately delivered a chair shot to Rhodes’ head while it was trapped between the steel steps. [Source: Last Word on Sports]

WrestleMania 42: Confirmed Matches

As of March 14, 2026, the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton is confirmed for WrestleMania 42. [Source: Wrestling Inc.] The decision to pit Rhodes against Orton followed a period of shifting plans, initially considering a Hell in a Cell match against Roman Reigns, and later, a potential match against Drew McIntyre. [Source: 411mania]

Randy Orton’s victory in the Men’s Elimination Chamber match in February paved the way for this confrontation. [Source: Wrestling Inc.]

How to Watch WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 5th and 6th, 2026, in Las Vegas. Further details regarding start times and streaming options will be released closer to the event.

Key Takeaways

• Randy Orton has turned heel and is now the challenger for Cody Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42.
• The match between Rhodes and Orton was the result of multiple changes to the original WrestleMania plans.
• Orton’s attack on Rhodes was particularly brutal, signaling a serious and personal rivalry.