WWE fans are used to dramatic twists on the road to WrestleMania. But the current situation around the Undisputed Championship has left many viewers confused. The story involving Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre has taken several sudden turns, and the booking decisions have raised questions about WWE’s planning for WrestleMania 42.
Rhodes is now the Undisputed Champion again after defeating McIntyre on SmackDown. However, the journey to reach this point has been messy and difficult for fans to follow. With ticket sales rumours and last-minute creative changes being discussed online, many people believe WWE may be reacting to pressure rather than following a clear long-term plan.
Below is a simple breakdown of what has happened and why fans are debating the booking so heavily.
The Confusing Road to the Championship
At the start of the year, Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a brutal Three Stages of Hell match during a WWE event in Berlin. That victory made McIntyre the Undisputed Champion and gave him strong momentum.
After winning the title, McIntyre:
- Defended the championship at several house shows
- Defeated Sami Zayn at the Royal Rumble
- Appeared in backstage segments involving Nick Aldis and Jacob Fatu
Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes went through a difficult stretch.
His recent storyline included:
- Losing the Undisputed Championship
- Failing to win the Royal Rumble
- Losing the Elimination Chamber match
- Suddenly becoming champion again on SmackDown
For many fans, this sequence feels rushed. Rhodes lost multiple opportunities but still ended up with the title again without a long build.
The timeline below shows the key events.
| Event | What Happened |
|---|---|
| Berlin Event | Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes in a Three Stages of Hell match |
| Royal Rumble | McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn |
| Elimination Chamber | Rhodes lost another title opportunity |
| SmackDown | Rhodes defeated McIntyre to regain the Undisputed Championship |
This sudden switch has made the road to WrestleMania feel unclear.
Rumours About WrestleMania Ticket Sales
Reports from wrestling media outlets have suggested WWE might be worried about WrestleMania ticket sales this year.
According to industry reports:
- Ticket sales slowed down despite discounts being offered
- WWE may consider limiting local event broadcasts near the stadium to encourage attendance
- There are rumours of tension around broadcast partnerships and promotional expectations
While none of these rumours are officially confirmed by WWE, they have added to the belief that the company is adjusting its WrestleMania plans quickly.
If true, these concerns could explain why the championship picture changed so suddenly.
Why Fans Are Questioning the Booking
One of the biggest debates among fans is whether Cody Rhodes needed to regain the championship at all.
Several questions are being raised:
- Was Drew McIntyre’s title run ended too quickly?
- Did WWE change plans at the last minute?
- Would another storyline have worked better for WrestleMania?
Some fans feel that McIntyre had strong momentum and that ending his run early reduces the impact of his victory earlier this year.
At the same time, Cody Rhodes remains one of WWE’s most popular stars. But repeated losses followed by an unexpected title win has made the storyline feel inconsistent.
Possible WrestleMania Match Plans
With WrestleMania approaching, several match possibilities are being discussed.
Potential directions include:
- Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton
- A multi-man championship match
- Drew McIntyre being added back into the title picture
Another factor is the likely Night 2 main event between Roman Reigns and CM Punk. Because that match already carries huge star power, WWE may be trying to strengthen the Night 1 main event.
Some fans also believe WWE could have used a major women’s match to headline Night 1 instead.
Drew McIntyre’s Character Story
To be fair, WWE might still be building a character-based storyline for Drew McIntyre.
His recent persona focuses on frustration and blaming others for his setbacks. Fans remember how he once lost a championship quickly because he could not stop mocking CM Punk after winning.
That trait could explain his latest defeat. McIntyre’s anger and arrogance may have led to mistakes that allowed Rhodes to regain the title.
However, the storytelling has not been presented clearly enough for everyone to understand that angle.
FAQ
What happened between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre before WrestleMania 42?
Drew McIntyre defeated Cody Rhodes earlier in the year to win the Undisputed Championship. However, Rhodes later regained the title on SmackDown, creating confusion about WWE’s WrestleMania plans.
Why are fans criticizing WWE’s WrestleMania 42 booking?
Many fans believe the storyline has changed too quickly. Rhodes lost multiple opportunities before suddenly becoming champion again, which feels rushed to some viewers.
Could Drew McIntyre still be part of the WrestleMania main event?
Yes, WWE could still add McIntyre back into the title match or create a multi-man match. Plans often change in the weeks leading up to WrestleMania.
Why is WrestleMania Night 1 main event important?
WWE usually wants both nights of WrestleMania to feel equally important. If Roman Reigns vs CM Punk headlines Night 2, the company may try to build another strong match for Night 1.
Is Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton expected at WrestleMania?
Some rumours suggest this match could happen because the two have a long history in WWE. However, WWE has not officially confirmed the match yet.
