Published: Mar 2, 2026 by Liam | Last Updated: Mar 2, 2026 by Liam
Liam has been reporting & analyzing wrestling news for over eight years, and is currently the Managing Editor at WrestleTalk.com. Immersed in wrestling for 18 years, he has over 11,000 published articles in addition to leading and overseeing WrestleTalk.com's coverage.
WWE
A WWE analyst has pitched for Cody Rhodes to turn heel at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas coming out of last night’s Elimination Chamber event.
The Chamber came down to the final two of Rhodes and Randy Orton, and after interference from WWE Champion Drew McIntyre, it was Orton who scored the win.
That officially means it’s McIntyre vs Orton for the WWE Title at WrestleMania as things stand right now.
However, due to McIntyre getting involved, SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis is forcing him to defend his title against Rhodes on SmackDown this coming Friday.
Cody Rhodes Path To WrestleMania
WWE analyst Sam Roberts has now pitched for Rhodes to win the title from McIntyre and then go on to defend in a singles match against Orton at WrestleMania, while McIntyre splits off into a separate match against Jacob Fatu.
Roberts also suggested Rhodes to retain the title against Orton at Mania and turn heel in the process.
On his Notsam Wrestling show, he said:
“I think, if it were up to me right now, I end night one of WrestleMania with Cody Rhodes retaining the WWE Championship against Randy Orton and Cody turning heel at WrestleMania. I think that’s where I go.
“Cody returned at WrestleMania 38 as the biggest babyface in the world, and it took him all the way to 39 to 40 to 41. Four years of this massive babyface run that’s as effective as anything has ever been.
“I think WWE getting a shot in the arm of like, ‘Whoa, foundationally things have changed.’
“And here’s Cody’s motivation as a heel if this the way you go – it’s, ‘You need me. You need me to be the champion. You need me to QB1. You can’t have Randy Orton as a 15-time champion.’
“The idea that Randy Orton goes into WrestleMania and he might become 15-time champion – if Randy Orton becomes 15-time champion, then Randy Orton at least tying John Cena’s record at 17 becomes feasible. The difference between 14 and 17 seems like a lot. The difference between 15 and 17 seems attainable.
“I think that’s what being a 15-time champion would do for Randy Orton. It would make it seem like, ‘Man, even if I lose this at some point, I might be able to get John Cena’s record.’
“And if he goes into WrestleMania and he makes that clear, and he knows that while he’s not leaving any time soon, he doesn’t have all time in the world to accomplish this goal – and Cody doesn’t let him have it.
“I think they’ll already be cheering Randy Orton when we go into WrestleMania. I think there’ll be respect for Cody Rhodes, I think they’ll be cheering Randy Orton. And I think Cody taking that personally…
“I want Cody vs Randy. I want Cody to beat Drew McIntyre on Friday. I want Jacob to be involved. I want Cody vs Randy – because these are great matches. Cody vs Randy. Drew vs Jacob. Seth vs Logan Paul. Roman vs Punk. Liv vs Stephanie. AJ vs Becky rematch. Rhea vs Jade. Yeah, I’m feeling that right now.”
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