Major Backstage Update Emerges on WWE’s Plans for Roman Reigns Heading Into WrestleMania 42
It has long been speculated that Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes are on a collision course for a third singles encounter, potentially at WrestleMania 42. However, there is far more unfolding behind the scenes regarding how WWE plans to navigate the road to that much-anticipated trilogy — and whether it even takes place on the grandest stage of them all.
Reigns is reportedly set to return to SmackDown in the near future, a development that has only intensified fan demand for another chapter in his rivalry with Rhodes. While many expect their paths to cross again soon, reports indicate that WWE could explore directions for both stars that extend beyond WrestleMania 42.
A Look Back at the Roman Reigns–Cody Rhodes Rivalry
The saga between the two began at WrestleMania 39, where Reigns successfully defended the Universal Championship and firmly established Rhodes as a genuine threat to WWE’s top villain.
Their story reached a dramatic turning point at WrestleMania 40, when Rhodes finally ended Reigns’ historic reign to capture the Undisputed WWE Championship in a bout contested under “Bloodline Rules.” Rhodes has remained champion ever since.
Talk of a decisive trilogy match resurfaced at Survivor Series, where the show concluded with a tense face-off between Rhodes and Reigns. Their fiery exchange reignited speculation that their rivalry was far from over.
That moment fueled widespread belief that the two could clash again in a third singles match at WrestleMania 42, though new information suggests the situation may be more complex.
What’s Being Said About Roman Reigns’ Future Plans
Fans have floated several high-profile opponents they’d like to see Cody Rhodes face at WrestleMania 42, including Randy Orton and CM Punk. Still, most discussions inevitably return to Rhodes versus Reigns.
According to Self Made Sessions, Roman Reigns is expected to appear on SmackDown “soon,” raising hopes that the feud could be rekindled. While this doesn’t confirm Rhodes vs. Reigns III at WrestleMania 42, it keeps the possibility very much alive.
Adding further intrigue, Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer reports that WWE is indeed planning a WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns — though not necessarily at WrestleMania 42. Instead, WWE may opt to place both men in separate storylines at the event, saving their title clash for later in 2026.
Meltzer stated:
“It’s been confirmed to us that a Rhodes vs. Reigns match for the WWE title is in the plans, although not necessarily at WrestleMania.
Rollins vs. Breakker, Reigns vs. CM Punk, and Rhodes against someone else could be done. Rollins has said he wants to wrestle at WrestleMania, and we’ve been told this week that it’s a possibility, but it’s still too early to say.”
With the rivalry currently deadlocked at one win apiece, a third match to settle the score would serve as a natural and compelling conclusion to their story.
WrestleMania 42 is set to take place across two nights — April 18 and 19 — at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, promising yet another unforgettable chapter in WWE history.
