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By Fernando Quiles Jr
Contributing Sports Writer
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Cody Rhodes is now a three-time Undisputed WWE Champion going into "WrestleMania 42." Rhodes challenged Drew McIntyre for the top male prize on the "SmackDown" brand on Friday. The title match was booked following McIntyre's interference in the men's Elimination Chamber match, which led to Randy Orton pinning Rhodes following an RKO to earn a No. 1 contender match at "WrestleMania."
Prior to his title match against Rhodes, McIntyre tried convincing "SmackDown" general manager Nick Aldis to call the match off. Aldis suggested that McIntyre forfeit the gold if he didn't want to face Rhodes, but "The Scottish Warrior" refused.
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McIntyre now finds himself out of the main event discussion for WWE's biggest annual show this April in Las Vegas. His path now likely involves Jacob Fatu, who has accused "The Scottish Warrior" of ambushing him in a storyline injury angle.
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Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton at WrestleMania
There is history between Rhodes and Orton, and the two are sure to make things personal going into "WrestleMania 42." Over the past year, Orton has warned Rhodes that he's looking to earn his 14th world title, and he wouldn't hesitate to strike "The American Nightmare" if he had to. "The Viper" fired the first shot at "Elimination Chamber 2026."
Rhodes and Orton have only had one singles match since "The American Nightmare" made his WWE return. The two competed in the "King of the Ring" finals at "Night of Champions 2025." Rhodes won the match, and he went on to defeat John Cena to lay claim to his second Undisputed WWE Championship at "SummerSlam."
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