In the lead-up to WrestleMania 42, fans witnessed an unforgettable Undisputed WWE Championship bout between Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre. The match, which had been months in the making, saw Rhodes emerge victorious, securing the coveted title in a hard-fought contest. However, it appears that the creative team behind WWE had envisioned a different, more extreme conclusion to the long-standing feud.
According to sources close to WWE creative, the original plan for WrestleMania 42 involved a Hell in a Cell match between the two competitors. The stipulation, which has been a staple of WWE storylines for years, would have added an extra layer of intensity to the already heated rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre.
A Hellish Conclusion to a Long-Running Feud
The idea of a Hell in a Cell match for WrestleMania 42 is not entirely surprising, given the history between Rhodes and McIntyre. The two superstars had been embroiled in a series of intense matches and promos leading up to the event, with the tension between them reaching a boiling point.
“Those two guys have a deep-seated respect for each other, but they also have a burning desire to one-up each other,” said a WWE insider, who wished to remain anonymous. “Hell in a Cell would have been the perfect way to settle their differences once and for all.”
The Hell in a Cell stipulation, which involves a steel structure surrounding the ring and a ladder, table, and debris scattered throughout the arena, would have forced Rhodes and McIntyre to push their bodies to the limit. The match would have been a grueling, no-holds-barred affair, with both competitors risking serious injury in their pursuit of victory.
The Creative Decision Behind the Change
So, what led to the decision to scrap the Hell in a Cell match and opt for a more traditional contest instead? According to sources close to WWE creative, the decision was made to avoid putting the health and safety of the performers at risk.
“There’s a fine line between creating an exciting and intense match and putting the performers in harm’s way,” said the WWE insider. “While a Hell in a Cell match would have been an exciting way to conclude the feud between Rhodes and McIntyre, it’s not worth risking the long-term health and well-being of our talent.”
The Aftermath of WrestleMania 42
In the end, the decision to scrap the Hell in a Cell match proved to be the right one. Rhodes emerged victorious in the Undisputed WWE Championship match, and the event went on to receive widespread critical acclaim.
However, the decision has sparked debate among fans and pundits, who are left wondering what could have been if the match had gone ahead as originally planned. While the Hell in a Cell stipulation would have added an extra layer of intensity to the match, it’s clear that the creative team behind WWE made the right decision in prioritizing the health and safety of their performers.
The Future of Rhodes and McIntyre
The rivalry between Rhodes and McIntyre may be over for now, but it’s clear that their feud has left a lasting impact on the WWE universe. Both competitors have spoken out about their respect for each other, and it’s clear that they will be back in the ring again in the future.
As for what’s next for Rhodes and McIntyre, it remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: their rivalry has set the bar high for future feuds in the WWE.
In a statement to the press, Cody Rhodes reflected on his rivalry with McIntyre, saying: “I’m proud of the way we pushed each other to new heights, both in and out of the ring. We may have come from different places, but we shared a common goal: to be the best. And in the end, I’m glad I came out on top.”
Whether or not a Hell in a Cell match will be a part of Rhodes’ future storylines remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the WWE universe will be watching with bated breath as this talented competitor continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of professional wrestling.