Add as a preferred source on Google Ted DiBiase Jr. was never close to returning to WWE during the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton feud for WrestleMania 42, despite heavy fan speculation in recent weeks.
According to Fightful Select, WWE never seriously considered using DiBiase in the Rhodes-Orton program at the Showcase of the Immortals. His presence in Las Vegas had no direct link to the company’s creative plans.
The speculation stemmed mainly from their shared history in Legacy, the stable formed in the late 2000s. At WrestleMania 26, Orton beat both Rhodes and DiBiase in a Triple Threat Match that closed that chapter.
There was reportedly never any serious consideration for Ted DiBiase Jr to be involved in the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton story for WrestleMania 42.
— Wrestle Ops (@WrestleOps) May 3, 2026
(@FightfulSelect) pic.twitter.com/Rpc0shJM3I
Reports also note DiBiase attended WrestleMania 42 with his lawyer, but not as an official WWE guest. He was in town for WrestleCon, and that appearance only fueled more rumors on social media.
Another spark came from a recent Orton comment where he publicly claimed DiBiase Jr. owes him $25,000. The line went viral with fans, but it had no connection to any planned WWE storyline.
With that, the Rhodes-Orton rivalry moved forward without any real attempt at a Legacy reunion. Rhodes beat Orton on Night One of WrestleMania 42 and retained the Undisputed WWE Championship.