The WWE Championship picture heading into WrestleMania 42 is increasingly fluid, with creative direction reportedly shifting and a potential shakeup to the planned match structure. While Cody Rhodes remains the frontrunner to challenge Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Title, Jacob Fatu has emerged as a serious contender, gaining significant internal support within WWE creative, according to reports.
The uncertainty surrounding the WrestleMania main event is causing some internal concern, particularly as deadlines for promotional materials rapidly approach. Several departments within WWE are reportedly scrambling to finalize plans, fearing they are falling behind due to the evolving championship scenario. This situation highlights the high stakes involved in finalizing the WrestleMania card, WWE’s biggest event of the year.
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the push for Fatu to be included in the title picture has grown within the creative team. Despite not being scheduled for this Saturday’s Elimination Chamber match – which will determine McIntyre’s initial WrestleMania opponent – Fatu is being considered as a potential addition to the championship storyline. This suggests WWE may be exploring options beyond a traditional one-on-one match, potentially involving multiple competitors.
The possibility of a multi-man match has gained traction, with discussions centering around a five- or six-pack challenge for the Undisputed WWE Title. In addition to Fatu and Rhodes, names like Randy Orton, Sami Zayn, and Aleister Black have been mentioned as potential participants. Orton and Rhodes are the only confirmed competitors from that group currently slated to compete in the Elimination Chamber this weekend.
The current champion, Drew McIntyre, has held the title for just over a month. While Rhodes has been widely considered his WrestleMania opponent, the growing support for Fatu introduces a significant variable. Fatu’s potential inclusion would require a creative angle to insert him into the storyline following the Elimination Chamber, as he is not currently slated to participate in the event.
The situation underscores the dynamic nature of professional wrestling’s creative process, where plans can change quickly based on internal feedback, fan reaction, and unforeseen circumstances. The internal urgency surrounding WrestleMania preparations suggests WWE is acutely aware of the need to finalize a compelling championship match that will draw significant attention and viewership.
The report from WrestleVotes also highlights the broader challenges facing WWE as it prepares for WrestleMania 42. The pressure to deliver a memorable event, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding key storylines, is creating a stressful environment behind the scenes. The scramble to meet promotional deadlines further emphasizes the importance of a swift resolution to the championship picture.
While Roman Reigns is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, the Undisputed WWE Title match remains the focal point of WrestleMania planning. The potential inclusion of Jacob Fatu adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the situation, suggesting WWE is willing to explore unconventional options to maximize the impact of its biggest show of the year. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the final shape of the WrestleMania card and the fate of the Undisputed WWE Championship.
The fact that multiple departments are facing deadlines and are concerned about falling behind suggests that the creative team is still actively weighing different options. The consideration of a multi-man match, rather than a traditional one-on-one encounter, indicates a willingness to deviate from established norms in an effort to create a more unpredictable and exciting WrestleMania main event.
The situation is particularly noteworthy given the recent reports of uncertainty surrounding overall WrestleMania plans. The fact that the Undisputed WWE Title picture is the most unsettled aspect of the event suggests that WWE is prioritizing the championship match as a key component of the show’s success. The internal push for Jacob Fatu, despite his current lack of involvement in the Elimination Chamber, demonstrates a belief that he could significantly elevate the WrestleMania card.
