Matt Hardy Strongly Suspects Randy Orton Will Leave WrestleMania as WWE Champion

Matt Hardy told TMZ Inside The Ring he believes Randy Orton could walk out of WrestleMania as champion. Hardy said the recent Pat McAfee angle influences his prediction. He suggested Cody Rhodes could end up chasing the title afterward.

Why Hardy favors Orton

Hardy described the McAfee involvement as a plot development that leans toward Orton. He called the angle intriguing despite some fan confusion. How WWE follows up will determine the story’s success.

House of Glory open challenge

During WrestleMania week, Hardy and Jeff Hardy issued an open challenge for the House of Glory World Tag Team Championships. Matt said the challenge would be open in principle, but senior officials might set limits. He noted they are TNA tag champions and had earlier avoided booking an AEW team with House of Glory.

Restrictions and AEW

Hardy suggested AEW teams might not be appropriate for that match. He also implied logistical or booking reasons would prevent AEW participation. The Hardys expect challengers from other promotions or independents instead.

Cross-promotion prospects

Hardy expects more crossover moments after the TNA and NXT collaboration earlier this year. He said fans should watch for surprises from the Hardys involving WWE or NXT. Those appearances could continue during WrestleMania week and beyond.

Match and date

Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton on night one of WrestleMania 42. Pat McAfee will accompany Orton to ringside. The match is scheduled for April 18.

Filmogaz.com covered Hardy’s remarks from the TMZ Inside The Ring interview. Matt Hardy strongly suspects Randy Orton will leave WrestleMania as WWE Champion, and he remains curious about WWE’s follow-up booking.