Shocking WrestleMania 42 plans for Randy Orton have come into focus, and they paint a very different picture from what fans saw on the night. The main event already sparked debate, but new details suggest the outcome may have changed late, adding a fresh perspective to the intense rivalry with Cody Rhodes.For those inside the arena, the closing moments felt chaotic and unresolved. Rhodes held onto the Undisputed WWE Championship, yet Orton stood tall after the bell. Now, reports indicate that ending might not have been the original direction, raising questions about how close Orton came to another historic title win.
Original WrestleMania 42 plans for Randy Orton finally come to light
Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes. Image via: Getty Images
According to multiple reports, including BodySlam+ and Fightful Select, Randy Orton was initially set to leave WrestleMania 42 as champion. The idea of him capturing a 15th world title was discussed seriously within WWE, with creative plans pointing in that direction months in advance. However, that decision shifted in the final weeks, with the company choosing to keep the title on Rhodes instead.The match itself reflected that tension. It was physical, messy, and at times unpredictable. Orton even found himself bleeding after being driven into the ring post, while Rhodes absorbed heavy punishment but stayed composed when it mattered most. After a series of counters and interference involving Pat McAfee, Rhodes capitalized with Cross Rhodes to retain.Yet the real story began after the bell. Orton attacked Rhodes, struck him with the title, and delivered a punt kick that left the champion lying out. As WrestleMania went off air, Orton stood over him holding the championship, a visual that hinted this rivalry is far from finished.Reports also suggest WWE always intended to extend the feud beyond WrestleMania. That explains the lack of a clean ending and the emphasis on the post-match assault. Rather than closing a chapter, the company appears to have set up the next one, possibly as soon as Backlash.
Cody Rhodes sustains an eye injury
While Rhodes walked out with the title, he did not leave unscathed. The physical toll of the match was clear almost immediately. His left eye swelled shut, and WWE later confirmed an orbital injury that raised concern backstage.“Afterwards, Rhodes needed three sutures to the face and four staples to the back of the head,” WWE’s Jackie Redmond reported before Night 2. “As for the Punt that you just showed from Randy Orton, the impact to Cody’s orbital socket was so severe that his eye is still completely shut. So again, Rhodes is not medically cleared, and his timetable to return is up in the air.”Rhodes was placed in concussion protocol and pulled from scheduled appearances, leaving his short-term future uncertain.
