WWE’s long-term vision for WrestleMania 42 appears to be undergoing a significant reset as Seth Rollins’ recovery timeline stretches further than originally hoped, forcing creative plans to pivot well ahead of the event.
According to the Wrestling Observer, Rollins now expects to remain out of action for another four months, a window that puts his availability for WrestleMania 42 in serious doubt. With the event just over three months away, the updated estimate has effectively closed the door on what had once been considered a possible return scenario.
Dave Meltzer reported that while WWE had initially kept Rollins’ involvement flexible, the wrestler’s own assessment of his recovery has changed the outlook. Even when the idea of Rollins appearing at the show was discussed previously, it was far from a sure thing.
That uncertainty has now solidified into a more definitive shift in direction. Rollins had been penciled in for a World Heavyweight Championship match against Roman Reigns, a bout expected to headline one of the two nights of WrestleMania 42. With Rollins sidelined, Meltzer notes that the plan has been scrapped, at least in its original form.
As a result, WWE’s focus has reportedly swung back toward a matchup that has defined the company’s recent WrestleMania landscape. Meltzer indicated that the trilogy between Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Championship is once again being positioned as the centerpiece bout of the weekend.
Reigns vs. Rhodes III was teased at the end of Survivor Series: WarGames 2025.
The American Nightmare is currently scheduled to defend the WWE Title against Drew McIntyre in a “3 Stages of Hell” match on the January 9th episode of SmackDown in Berlin, Germany.
If WWE decides go ahead of the Reigns vs. Rhodes title rematch plan at WrestleMania 42, then it’s safe to say that Cody will once again defeat The Scottish Psychopath to retain the championship.
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