WWE Pitched Black and Orton for WrestleMania 42
Management considered a bout between Malakai Black and Randy Orton before finalizing a different main event.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Wrestling
WWE management originally pitched a match between Malakai Black and Randy Orton for WrestleMania 42, which took place in April 2026. The plans were ultimately scrapped in favor of a title match between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes.
Why it matters
The scrapped creative plans offer a look at the internal development process for major wrestling events. WrestleMania remains the company's premier showcase, and last-minute changes to the card often alter the projected trajectory for high-profile performers.
Malakai Black designed a custom smoke device to be triggered via remote control during his proposed WrestleMania 42 entrance.
The players
WWE
The professional wrestling promotion is responsible for organizing the WrestleMania event and managing its roster of talent.
Malakai Black
A professional wrestler who appeared on SmackDown before his release from the organization following WrestleMania 42.
Randy Orton
A high-profile professional wrestler who ultimately competed against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title at WrestleMania 42.
Cody Rhodes
A professional wrestler who participated in the Undisputed WWE Title match at the WrestleMania 42 event.
Xelina
A professional wrestler who was released by WWE in the period following the WrestleMania 42 event.
The details
Before the event, Black and Orton appeared together on SmackDown in early 2026. Following the conclusion of WrestleMania 42, both Malakai Black and Xelina were released from the company.
Timeline
Malakai Black and Randy Orton appeared on SmackDown in early 2026.
WrestleMania 42 occurred in April 2026.
Malakai Black and Xelina were released from WWE after WrestleMania 42.
Season Trajectory
These creative shifts illustrate the volatile nature of the WrestleMania 42 card development. Such changes directly influence the event's overall draw and the subsequent career paths for the involved performers.
The change in plans moved Randy Orton into a high-stakes title match against Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Title. This adjustment effectively reconfigured the top-tier hierarchy for the remainder of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
Creative pivots are a standard part of the long-term planning process for major wrestling shows. Fans should keep in mind that initial reports of matches are often subject to change before the final event lineup is locked.
Further reading
For more on the industry's changing landscape, visit the Wrestling section.
