Headlining tonight's episode of WWE Friday Night SmackDown (March 13, 2026) was a contract signing between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton, set to sign the papers to make their upcoming match official where they will face each other with the Undisputed WWE Championship on the line at WWE WrestleMania 42.
This match at The Grandest Stage of Them All came about due to Orton winning the Elimination Chamber to become the No. 1 contender by beating Rhodes in particular, capitalizing with an RKO after The American Nightmare had been attacked by Drew McIntyre. After Rhodes was granted a rematch for the title against McIntyre last week and regained the championship, that pushed The Scottish Warrior out of the mix to make it a Rhodes vs. Orton match instead.
Over the years, Orton has been a mentor to Rhodes—something the champion has often spoken about, including during this segment tonight. After all the praise lavished upon him by Rhodes, respect was thrown out the window as The Viper struck immediately following his signature and a hug, slamming Cody's head down to the table and proceeding to further attack him.
Jelly Roll, who was ringside for the segment and is a friend of The Apex Predator, tried to calm him down, only to be thrown to the floor, as Orton had fully snapped at that point.
Orton ended the episode grabbing a steel chair, only to bring it into the ring so he could sit down with the WWE Championship title.
As this match is now truly official, that brings the updated card for WWE WrestleMania 42 to five confirmed matches. Many more are still yet to be announced over the coming weeks, as well as the definitive dates each match will be taking place, but as this match is the featured poster for WrestleMania Saturday, it can be assumed Orton and Rhodes will clash on April 18, 2026.
Here is the updated lineup of what we know so far for WrestleMania 42:
- Singles Match for the World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
- Singles Match for the Women's World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
- Singles Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
- Singles Match for the WWE Women's Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
- Open Challenge Singles Match: Brock Lesnar vs. TBD
What are your thoughts on this rivalry between Orton and Rhodes? Do you think Orton will take the title at WrestleMania? Drop your predictions and other comments below!