• Real Reason WWE Canceled Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes III For WrestleMania 42
The rumored WrestleMania 42 rubber match between Roman Reigns and Cody Rhodes has gone up in flames, and the culprit wasn’t an injury or a scheduling conflict – it was a total breakdown in the writer’s room.
Despite months of speculation that the two stars would headline WWE’s biggest show of 2026 to settle their score once and for all, Self Made Pro confirmed that the bout has been axed.
While Dave Meltzer hinted at a massive shift in direction earlier this month, this latest update pulls back the curtain on a messy internal struggle. Reportedly, WWE reached a “creative stalemate” where they simply couldn’t find a finish or a storyline that satisfied the egos and expectations of everyone involved.
WWE leadership initially thought the deal was sealed. Behind closed doors, there was a belief that all parties were aligned on the vision for the Road to WrestleMania 42. However, that unified front evaporated during recent high-level meetings. With the realization that they couldn’t get everyone on the same page, Triple H and the creative team opted to pull the plug entirely rather than force a compromise that might underdeliver.
Cody is scheduled to face Jacob Fatu on Saturday Night’s Main Event on January 24, while Roman is expected to return at Royal Rumble 2026 on January 31.
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• WWE’s Current Plan For 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble Winner
The “Road to WrestleMania” is quickly becoming the “Road to Liv,” as new reports suggest Liv Morgan is being fast-tracked for the most significant run of her career. Fresh off her official entry into the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble match on this week’s RAW, internal buzz is reaching a fever pitch.
According to Self Made Pro, high-level WWE meetings held over the past fortnight have centered on a singular, game-changing vision: Morgan winning the Rumble and challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship at WrestleMania 42.
This isn’t just a fleeting idea; it appears to be a calculated effort to transform Morgan from a fan-favorite into the “true centerpiece” of the entire division. WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select echoed this sentiment recently, revealing that influential voices within the company are adamant about positioning Morgan at the very top of the card when WWE takes over Allegiant Stadium this April.
Liv Morgan’s fellow Judgment Day member, Raquel Rodriguez, is currently feuding with Vaquer over the Women’s World Title.
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