WWE has reportedly changed the original plan for the WrestlePalooza main event

Cody Rhodes closed WrestlePalooza with his arm raised after cleanly defeating Drew McIntyre, but that ending was not always the planned one. According to BodySlam, both Rhodes and McIntyre had proposed a different direction backstage, one that would have included Randy Orton in the outcome.

The original plan involved Orton accidentally costing Cody the WWE Undisputed Championship in the main event. In this way, McIntyre would have been crowned champion and a storyline would have started with Rhodes trying to regain the title. Eventually, Cody would have recaptured it, only to be betrayed by "The Viper" in a subsequent rivalry.

Ultimately, WWE opted for a more straightforward ending. Rhodes retained his championship without interference or unexpected twists, in a match marked by intensity, exchanges of blows, and several false finishes. The victory came after a Cody Cutter followed by his Cross Rhodes, ensuring a strong close to the show.

The title match capped off the event held at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, just after the announcement of Stephanie McMahon's induction into the 2026 Hall of Fame. 

It is unknown if WWE will continue with the plan involving Randy Orton turning on Cody Rhodes. Both have a history in WWE and had their last singles match in the final of the 2025 King of The Ring tournament, where Rhodes earned a title shot with the victory.