According to rumors, Roman Reigns is set to face Cody Rhodes for the undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42. The two, often referred to as OTC and American Nightmare, have already battled twice at previous Manias, and it seems their memorable feud will continue next April at the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
Reigns and Rhodes joined forces at Survivor Series: WarGames but ended up losing when Bron Breaker pinned CM Punk. It is expected that Bron Breaker and CM Punk will clash for the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania. Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer Radio mentioned that the major title matches at WrestleMania should prominently feature Cody, Roman, Punk, and Bron Breaker. This storyline development follows Seth Rollins having to vacate the World Heavyweight Championship due to shoulder surgery.
Initially, WWE planned for Reigns to challenge Rollins for the title in Nevada, but those plans changed, leading to a third chapter in the long-standing rivalry between Reigns and Rhodes, who currently holds the Undisputed WWE Championship for the second time. Bron Breaker’s recent pin over Punk in San Diego is significant, possibly setting up their showdown for the first night of WrestleMania, with Reigns versus Rhodes scheduled for the second night.
Bron Breaker has already boasted about his win over Punk as the buildup to WrestleMania continues. How he secures the No. 1 contender spot remains unclear and might hinge on the Royal Rumble outcome in January—unless Reigns himself wins, though Reigns has indicated on WWE RAW that the championship belongs on his shoulders. After WarGames, Reigns showed clear intentions to renew his rivalry with Rhodes, even distancing himself from Rhodes while showing some respect to Punk.
Fan Take: This anticipated trilogy between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes is a huge deal for WWE fans as it promises to elevate the drama and storytelling at WrestleMania 42. Their ongoing rivalry, paired with emerging contenders like Bron Breaker and Punk, could create one of the most compelling and memorable wrestling events in recent years.
