Cody Rhodes, the current WWE Champion, told fans that the upcoming WrestleMania 42 storyline feels like a normal show for him and his supporters. He said the involvement of Pat McAfee does not change his focus on the title match. Rhodes explained that he will face Randy Orton as planned and that the added drama is just part of the excitement.
Rhodes vs Orton Storyline
The rivalry between Rhodes and Orton stretches back almost two decades. Rhodes began his career as a protege of Orton, and now the two clash for the WWE Championship. When the match was first announced, the plan centered on their shared history. However, WWE executives decided to add Pat McAfee as Orton’s ally. Jelly Roll stepped in to support Rhodes, creating a classic hero versus villain dynamic.
Past Chaos in Rhodes’ WrestleMania Journeys
Since his return at WrestleMania 38, Rhodes has faced unexpected twists at every major event. At WrestleMania 39, he was set to dethrone Roman Reigns, but Vince McMahon intervened and delayed the victory. The following year, The Rock attempted to replace the Rhodes‑Reigns match with a Rock versus Reigns bout, resulting in a chaotic tag team showdown. At WrestleMania 41, The Rock tried to turn Rhodes heel, while John Cena’s heel turn led to a disastrous interference by Travis Scott. Each of these moments added layers of unpredictability to Rhodes’ path.
Behind the Scenes: Triple H and Ari Emanuel
WWE Chief Content Officer Triple H oversees the creative direction of WrestleMania. Rhodes now serves as the on screen version of Triple H, while Pat McAfee represents the influence of Ari Emanuel, the CEO of Endeavor and TKO. Both men have a vested interest in boosting ticket sales, which explains the recent storyline changes. Rhodes and other talent have voiced frustration, echoing the concerns Triple H expressed in leaked text messages about creative interference.
What Fans Can Expect
Fans can look forward to a high‑energy showdown at WrestleMania 42. Rhodes promises to stand his ground, saying, “We are gonna stand in the pocket, stare down every foolish obstacle, and throw!” He added that the event feels like a normal WrestleMania for him and his fans. Expect intense promos, surprise alliances, and a championship match that lives up to the hype.
Overall, the build to WrestleMania 42 blends familiar rivalry with fresh twists. Whether you support Rhodes, Orton, or the unexpected involvement of Pat McAfee, the night promises memorable moments that will shape WWE history.
Source: Wrestletalk
