Tag: WrestleMania 42

Brock Lesnar Appears to Retire After WrestleMania 42 Loss to Oba Femi

WrestleMania 42 Sunday opened with a generational clash—and it may have quietly marked the end of one of WWE’s most dominant careers.

In front of a packed Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Oba Femi scored the biggest win of his young career by defeating Brock Lesnar in a hard-hitting opener. But while the result itself was shocking, what happened after the bell is what has the wrestling world buzzing.

Oba Femi Slays “The Beast”

The match played out like a true battle of heavyweights. Femi more than held his own early, matching Lesnar in strength during a series of lockups and power exchanges. Still, Lesnar’s veteran instincts quickly took over, dragging the fight outside and unleashing his trademark suplex-heavy offense.

At one point, it looked like the end for the rising star after Lesnar connected with an F-5. But instead of staying down, Femi powered back to his feet in a defining moment, planting “The Beast” with a chokeslam before finishing things off with his Fall From Grace to secure the three-count.

With that, the NXT standout officially arrived on the grandest stage—defeating one of WWE’s most feared competitors clean in the middle of the ring.

Post-Match Moment Steals the Show

As impressive as the victory was, the tone inside the stadium shifted immediately afterward.

Lesnar slowly sat up and began removing his gloves and boots—an unmistakable gesture in professional wrestling that often signals retirement. The crowd quickly caught on, breaking into loud “Thank you, Brock” chants as the moment sank in.

Paul Heyman entered the ring and shared an emotional embrace with his longtime associate. Lesnar acknowledged the crowd, appearing reflective before taking a final walk around the ring.

While nothing has been officially confirmed, the visual of Lesnar leaving his gear behind strongly suggests that his in-ring career may have come to an end.

End of an Era?

If this is indeed the last time we see Brock Lesnar compete, it closes the book on a legendary run that began back in 2002. Over the years, Lesnar built a reputation as one of the most dominant forces in WWE history, racking up multiple world championships and becoming synonymous with brute force and legitimacy.

In recent years, his appearances had become more limited, but his presence still carried major-event significance whenever he stepped into the ring.

Now, it appears that torch may have officially been passed.

A Star-Making Moment for Femi

For Oba Femi, this was more than just a win—it was a statement. Defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania instantly elevates him into a completely different tier and positions him as a major player moving forward.

Whether this match is remembered more for Femi’s breakout or Lesnar’s farewell remains to be seen—but either way, it’s a moment that will be talked about for years.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Results

WrestleMania 42 wrapped up in massive fashion with Night 2 delivering shocking results, emotional moments, and a blockbuster main event that reshaped WWE’s championship landscape. From Brock Lesnar’s apparent retirement to Roman Reigns once again standing tall at the top, here’s everything that went down.

John Cena Opens the Show

John Cena kicked off the night, hyping up the historic feel of WrestleMania airing live on ESPN for the first time. With over 55,000 fans in attendance for Night 2, the energy was undeniable as Cena welcomed everyone to the second half of WWE’s biggest event.

Oba Femi Defeats Brock Lesnar

In a true clash of powerhouses, Oba Femi went toe-to-toe with Brock Lesnar and didn’t blink. After surviving multiple German suplexes and an F-5, Femi fired back with a chokeslam and his devastating Fall From Grace to score the biggest win of his career.

The post-match moment quickly overshadowed the result. A shaken Lesnar removed his gloves and boots in the ring, embraced Paul Heyman, and soaked in “Thank You, Brock” chants from the crowd. It appears Lesnar has ended his wrestling career.

Penta Retains Intercontinental Title in Chaotic Ladder Match

The six-man Intercontinental Championship ladder match delivered exactly what you’d expect—absolute chaos. Penta, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Je’Von Evans, Rey Mysterio, and Rusev tore the house down with wild spots involving ladders bridged across the ring and floor.

After a series of brutal exchanges—including a flip piledriver onto a bridged ladder—Penta managed to climb the ladder and retain his title, surviving one of the most dangerous matches of the weekend.

Trick Williams Wins United States Championship

Trick Williams captured his first main roster singles title by defeating Sami Zayn in a hard-fought battle. Despite interference from Lil Yachty and Zayn’s aggressive tactics, Williams capitalized with the Trick Shot to secure the win.

The celebration that followed, with Williams sharing the moment with his family, marked a major milestone in his rise.

The Demon Finn Bálor Defeats Dominik Mysterio (Street Fight)

The Demon made a violent return and endured everything Dominik Mysterio threw at him—chairs, kendo sticks, and even a table-assisted assault.

Dominik pushed Bálor to the limit, but the Demon persona proved too much. A Coup de Grace through a table sealed the deal, giving Bálor a decisive and brutal victory.

Rhea Ripley Wins WWE Women’s Championship

In a powerhouse showdown, Rhea Ripley dethroned Jade Cargill in a physically intense match. Outside interference from both sides briefly shifted momentum, but Ripley ultimately connected with the Riptide to capture the title.

The win reestablishes Ripley at the top of the women’s division after a hard-hitting contest.

John Cena Segment Takes a Turn

Cena returned to the ring later in the night to announce the official attendance before being interrupted by The Miz and Kit Wilson.. What followed was a bizarre but memorable segment featuring Danhausen and a group of “Mini Danhausens,” ending with Miz and Kit getting embarrassed and Miz getting carried away by the Mini Danhausens.

Classic WrestleMania chaos.

Roman Reigns Defeats CM Punk to Win WWE World Championship

The main event delivered on every level. CM Punk and Roman Reigns battled in a gritty, hard-hitting war that saw both men push each other to the brink.

From announce table destruction to multiple near falls—including Go to Sleep and Spear exchanges—this one felt like it could end at any moment. Punk even resorted to underhanded tactics, but Reigns refused to stay down.

In the end, Reigns connected with a final Spear to secure the victory and reclaim the WWE World Championship.

Final Thoughts

WrestleMania 42 Night 2 had a bit of everything—career-defining wins, emotional exits, and major title changes. With Roman Reigns back on top, Rhea Ripley holding gold again, and new stars like Oba Femi and Trick Williams breaking through, WWE’s landscape looks very different coming out of WrestleMania.

And if Brock Lesnar truly took his final bow, it’s the end of an era that defined dominance for over a decade.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Results

WrestleMania 42 kicked off in a big way with John Cena serving as host, setting the tone for a chaotic and headline-filled first night. From shocking returns to brutal stipulation matches and major title changes, Night 1 delivered on spectacle and surprises.

John Cena Opens the Show

Cena made his way to the ring in a suit, making it clear he wasn’t there to compete. Acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the past year in WWE, he welcomed fans to WrestleMania and asked the looming question of the night—who would step up on the grand stage?

LA Knight & The Usos def. The Vision & IShowSpeed

The opening match brought a mix of celebrity involvement and top-tier talent. LA Knight teamed with Jimmy and Jey Uso to take on Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed.

Despite some chaotic moments—including miscommunication between Logan Paul and IShowSpeed—the veteran trio capitalized. Knight sealed the win with the BFT on Theory.

After the match, tensions exploded. Logan Paul snapped on IShowSpeed, laying him out before attempting to escalate things further. That backfired spectacularly, as The Usos intervened, and IShowSpeed ultimately hit a wild frog splash off the ring post through the announce table in a jaw-dropping moment.

Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)

This one was exactly as violent as expected. Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre tore into each other with weapons from the opening bell, including chairs, tables, and even a toolbox.

McIntyre dished out serious punishment, but Fatu proved unstoppable. After a brutal sequence involving a toolbox shot and a springboard moonsault through a table, Fatu secured the win in decisive fashion.

Brie Bella & Paige win WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships

Originally set for Nikki Bella to compete, an injury forced a late change—but it led to a major return. Paige made her surprise comeback to team with Brie Bella.

In a chaotic four-way tag match also featuring Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair, Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, and champions Nia Jax & Lash Legend, the action never slowed down.

Paige ultimately pinned Alexa Bliss to capture the titles, marking a successful and emotional return alongside Brie Bella as the new champions.

Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee to win WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship

In a highly anticipated showdown, AJ Lee defended against Becky Lynch in a back-and-forth battle filled with counters and near falls.

The finish came with controversy. After removing a turnbuckle pad and distracting the referee, Lynch took advantage and delivered the Manhandle Slam to win the title, ending AJ Lee’s reign under questionable circumstances.

GUNTHER def. Seth Rollins (Referee Stoppage)

This hard-hitting match escalated quickly, with both men brawling before the bell even rang.

Rollins pushed GUNTHER to the limit, but the tide turned when Bron Breakker made a shocking return, spearing Rollins and shifting momentum. GUNTHER locked in the Gojira Clutch, forcing the referee to stop the match.

Afterward, Breakker aligned himself with Paul Heyman, adding another layer to the ongoing power struggle.

Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer to win WWE Women’s World Championship

The Women’s World Title match featured outside interference from multiple competitors, creating a chaotic environment.

Despite Stephanie Vaquer fighting through distractions, Liv Morgan capitalized with Oblivion to secure the victory and become the new champion. She celebrated with Dominik Mysterio and her allies, closing the segment with momentum firmly on her side.

Bianca Belair Announces Pregnancy

In one of the night’s feel-good moments, Bianca Belair appeared during a host segment and revealed she is expecting a child. The announcement drew a huge reaction from the crowd, with Cena acknowledging the milestone moment.

Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton to retain WWE Undisputed Championship

The main event saw Cody Rhodes defend against Randy Orton in a physical, drama-filled contest.

Before the bell, Pat McAfee and Orton attack Rhodes, but Rhodes manages to shrug them off, puts Orton into the post and lays Pat out with Cross Rhodes! Cody takes McAfee to the floor and puts him on the announce desk! Jelly Roll is here and tells him he’s got it, climbs up on the other desk… JELLY ROLL DROPS AN ELBOW THAT PUTS PAT MCAFEE THROUGH THE ANNOUNCE DESK!

McAfee is carted off on a stretcher.

Both men targeted each other relentlessly, with Orton’s back becoming a key focal point. The match featured multiple referee bumps and interference, including Pat McAfee wearing a neck brace a referee shirt runs down after Orton hit the ref with a RKO. McAfee makes a count but Rhodes kicks out after 2. Orton hits McAfee with an RKO.

In the end, Rhodes hit Cross Rhodes to retain his title—but the story didn’t end there.

After the match, Orton brutally attacked Rhodes, busting him open and standing tall to close the show, leaving a lasting image as Night 1 came to an end.

WrestleMania 42 Night 1 delivered major title changes, shocking returns, and unforgettable moments. With tensions rising and new champions crowned, all eyes now turn to Night 2 to see how the rest of WrestleMania unfolds.

Nikki Bella Pushes Through Injury, Vows to Compete at WrestleMania 42

Despite growing speculation about her WrestleMania 42 status, Nikki Bella is making it clear she has no intention of missing the biggest show of the year.

The WWE Hall of Famer appeared on the red carpet at the 2026 Hall of Fame ceremony wearing a walking boot, immediately raising concerns about her availability for WrestleMania 42. Nikki is currently dealing with a foot injury that had reportedly put her spot in jeopardy, with rumors even suggesting that recently re-signed Paige (Saraya) could step in as her replacement.

But if you ask Nikki, those reports are off the mark.

While speaking with Big E during the event, Nikki insisted she’s still on track to compete. She emphasized that the injury is being managed carefully and that she’s taking the necessary time to rest ahead of the big match.

According to Nikki, she fully expects to be in the ring, standing alongside her sister Brie Bella as they chase the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.

The Bella Twins are set to compete in a high-stakes four-way ladder match at WrestleMania 42. The current champions, Nia Jax and Lash Legend, will defend against three teams: Nikki and Brie, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and the duo of Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

Even with the physical setback, Nikki remained confident and unwavering, making it clear that nothing would keep her from teaming with Brie on such a major stage. Brie echoed that same mindset, reinforcing the duo’s long-standing reputation for overcoming obstacles.

With WrestleMania just around the corner, all eyes will be on whether Nikki can back up her bold claims and make the walk down the ramp. If she does, the already chaotic ladder match just became even more unpredictable.

Paige Set for Stunning WWE In-Ring Return at WrestleMania 42

In what once felt like an impossibility, Saraya Jade-Bevis is reportedly heading back to WWE—and not just for an appearance, but for an in-ring return.

According to PWInsider, the former Divas Champion—best known to WWE fans as Paige—has signed with the company and is expected to compete as part of WrestleMania 42 weekend. If the report holds true, this marks a remarkable comeback story for a performer who was medically ruled out of action back in 2018.

The current expectation is that Paige will be inserted into Saturday’s WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way match, stepping in for Nikki Bella, who is dealing with an ankle injury suffered on SmackDown in recent weeks. There’s already speculation building, especially after reports that Paige was spotted participating in a match run-through earlier this week.

WWE has yet to officially comment on the situation.

For longtime fans, this potential return carries major significance. Paige was a trailblazer during a pivotal shift in WWE’s women’s division. A second-generation wrestler from Norwich, England, she made waves early—debuting in the business at just 13 years old before eventually becoming one of the defining stars of NXT’s early era.

At a time when the main roster women’s division leaned heavily on presentation over performance, NXT—led in part by Paige—focused on in-ring ability and storytelling. That approach would eventually reshape WWE’s entire women’s division, and Paige was right at the forefront of that evolution.

Her main roster debut remains one of the most memorable in company history. The night after WrestleMania 30, a 21-year-old Paige shocked the world by defeating AJ Lee to win the Divas Championship in her very first match. In doing so, she became the youngest Divas Champion ever and the only woman to hold both the NXT Women’s and Divas titles simultaneously.

But her momentum came to a sudden halt in late 2017. During a match involving Sasha Banks, Paige suffered a serious neck injury that led to her being pulled from in-ring competition. Given her history of neck issues, WWE ultimately made the call to medically disqualify her from wrestling in early 2018.

From there, Paige transitioned into a non-wrestling role as SmackDown General Manager and remained a visible figure within the company. Outside the ring, her story reached mainstream audiences through the film Fighting with My Family, which chronicled her journey from a wrestling family in the UK to WWE stardom.

After her WWE contract expired in 2022, Saraya made the jump to AEW, where she successfully returned to in-ring action. She went on to capture the AEW Women’s Championship and remained an active competitor through early 2025, proving that her wrestling career was far from over.

Now at 33, Saraya appears poised to revisit her roots and add another chapter to her already unique legacy—this time back under the WWE banner.

If she does indeed step into the ring at WrestleMania 42, it won’t just be a return—it’ll be one of the most unlikely full-circle moments WWE has seen in years.

WWE WrestleMania 42 Card (4/18 & 4/19)

WWE WrestleMania 42 – Saturday, April 18, 2026 and Sunday April 19, 2026 – Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. – Available on ESPN Unlimited, Netflix (Internationally) and PPV.

Night 1 kicks off on Saturday, April 18, with the first hour airing at 6:00 pm ET on ESPN2. Night 2 kicks on Sunday, April 19, with the first hour airing at 6:00 pm ET on ESPN.

John Cena is the host of WrestleMania 42

CARD

WrestleMania 42 – Night 1 (April 18)

  • WWE Championship Match: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
  • WWE Women’s World Championship Match: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
  • WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
  • Seth Rollins vs. GUNTHER.
  • WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship 4-Way Match: The Irresistible Forces (Lash Legend & Nia Jax) (c) vs. The Bellas vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
  • (ESPN2) Logan Paul, Austin Theory & I ShowSpeed vs. The Usos & LA Knight
  • (ESPN2) Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

WrestleMania 42 – Night 2 (April 19)

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
  • WWE Women’s Championship Match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
  • WWE United States Championship Match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
  • Dominik Mysterio vs. The Demon Finn Balor
  • (ESPN) Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
  • (ESPN) WWE Intercontinental Title Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Rusev vs. Je’Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rey Mysterio

Update On IYO SKY-Asuka Match Not Being Scheduled For WWE WrestleMania 42

For weeks, it looked like WWE was steering directly toward a high-profile singles clash between IYO SKY and Asuka at WrestleMania 42. The tension has been there, the interactions have been building, and even a public challenge was thrown into the mix—but as of now, the match still hasn’t been made official, and the latest backstage update suggests things may not be as locked in as fans expected.

The situation took an interesting turn following last week’s episode of Raw, where Asuka called out SKY, only for “The Genius of the Sky” to respond with a WrestleMania challenge on social media. That alone felt like a clear signal the match was imminent. Typically, WWE doesn’t push talent to make those kinds of public challenges unless there’s a plan in place.

However, that momentum stalled. On this week’s Raw, SKY faced Kairi Sane, Asuka’s Damage CTRL ally, and while Asuka got involved to cost SKY the match, WWE still stopped short of confirming the WrestleMania bout. That raised eyebrows—and now we may know why.

According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, the match is currently in a state of uncertainty. While it hasn’t been outright canceled, it also hasn’t been finalized. Meltzer noted that SKY even removed her WrestleMania challenge from social media, which only adds to the confusion surrounding the situation.

Behind the scenes, there’s reportedly been talk that the match could be shifted to Backlash instead. While that’s not a definite decision, it’s being considered, especially given WrestleMania Sunday’s already packed lineup. At one point, SKY vs. Asuka was expected to land on night two of the event, but timing constraints may have forced WWE to rethink their plans.

At this stage, the door isn’t completely closed on the match happening at WrestleMania—but it’s far from guaranteed. Whether it gets squeezed onto the card last-minute or saved for a future premium live event, the company is clearly still weighing its options.

For now, fans hoping to see SKY and Asuka collide on the biggest stage of the year may have to wait a little longer—or at least keep a close eye on any last-minute changes leading into WrestleMania weekend.

Backstage Reaction Mixed to Pat McAfee’s Role in Rhodes vs. Orton Storyline

Pat McAfee’s involvement in the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton feud heading into WrestleMania 42 is reportedly causing some quiet tension behind the scenes.

According to PWInsider, several WWE talents feel the rivalry between Rhodes and Orton already had more than enough built-in history, making McAfee’s addition feel unnecessary. The two have a deeply rooted storyline dating back years, and some within the locker room reportedly believe the match didn’t need an extra element to elevate it.

There’s also said to be some confusion over how the decision came together. Previous reports indicate McAfee’s role was pushed by higher-ups within TKO Group Holdings, rather than coming directly from WWE’s creative team led by Triple H. That distinction has only added to the perception that the storyline shift wasn’t entirely organic.

McAfee’s recent SmackDown appearance—where he delivered an unscripted promo tied into the feud—reportedly drew a mixed response backstage. While some appreciated the energy he brings, others weren’t sold on how the segment meshed with the ongoing WrestleMania build.

Another layer to the situation is the pressure it may be putting on Cody Rhodes. While there’s no indication Rhodes himself has spoken out, there is said to be some sympathy internally, with the belief that the added spotlight and expectations could complicate an already high-profile match.

As it stands, Rhodes vs. Orton is locked in for Night 1 of WrestleMania 42. Whether McAfee’s involvement ultimately enhances the story or proves to be a distraction remains to be seen, but it’s clearly a talking point within WWE as the biggest show of the year approaches.

Asuka vs. IYO SKY WrestleMania 42 Status Hinges on Nikki Bella Injury

WWE fans may have to wait a bit longer for the long-teased showdown between Asuka and IYO SKY, and it looks like the situation has less to do with creative plans and more to do with injury concerns elsewhere on the card.

Despite recent on-screen tension—highlighted by Asuka vowing to teach SKY “one final lesson” and SKY directly calling for the match—the bout was noticeably absent from the official WrestleMania 42 lineup reveal on ESPN. That omission raised eyebrows, especially given how heavily the feud has been hinted at in recent weeks.

According to Bryan Alvarez, the holdup is tied to Nikki Bella’s current medical status. The WWE Hall of Famer suffered an ankle injury in late March and has since been seen wearing a walking boot. As of now, she has not been cleared for in-ring competition, and that uncertainty is forcing WWE to keep multiple contingency plans in play.

If Nikki is unable to compete by WrestleMania weekend, the expectation is that Asuka will pivot away from a singles program and instead reunite with Kairi Sane as The Kabuki Warriors. In that scenario, they would take the place of the Bella Twins in the scheduled Women’s Tag Team Championship match.

That title bout—set for night one on April 18 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas—is currently planned as a four-way match. Nia Jax and Lash Legend are slated to defend against teams featuring Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria & Bayley, and the Bella Twins.

Should the change happen, IYO SKY’s WrestleMania role becomes far less clear, as her expected match with Asuka would presumably be scrapped. On the flip side, if Nikki Bella is medically cleared in time, WWE is expected to move forward with Asuka vs. SKY and lock it into the card.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with one of WrestleMania’s potential standout matches essentially on hold pending a medical update.

WWE Reveals WrestleMania 42 Lineup for Both Nights

After months of build, heated rivalries, and plenty of chatter surrounding everything from storylines to ticket sales, WrestleMania 42 is finally right around the corner. With just over a week to go before WWE’s biggest event of the year, the company has officially confirmed how the card will be split across both nights.

The announcement came during an appearance on ESPN’s Get Up, where WWE pulled back the curtain on what fans can expect from each evening of the two-night spectacle.

Both nights will follow a similar structure, with the opening matches airing on ESPN before the rest of the action shifts over to the network’s streaming platform.

Night One is set to kick off with a high-profile six-man tag featuring social media star IShowSpeed teaming up with Austin Theory and Logan Paul, collectively known as The Vision. They’ll square off against LA Knight and The Usos in what’s sure to be a crowd-pleasing opener. From there, things take a more intense turn with Drew McIntyre battling Jacob Fatu in an unsanctioned match.

While the full match order hasn’t been finalized, Night One will also feature several marquee bouts, including Liv Morgan challenging Stephanie Vaquer for the WWE Women’s World Championship. Becky Lynch will go one-on-one with AJ Lee for the Women’s Intercontinental Title, while the Women’s Tag Team Championships will be on the line in a four-way match involving champions Nia Jax and Lash Legend. Two major singles matches round out the night, with Seth Rollins taking on GUNTHER and Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton.

Night Two will open with a clash of powerhouses as Brock Lesnar faces Oba Femi. Also confirmed for the second night is a six-way ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship, currently held by Penta. The rest of the card continues to stack up with big-time title bouts and grudge matches, including Jade Cargill defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley and Sami Zayn putting the United States Title on the line against Trick Williams.

Elsewhere, Finn Balor will collide with Dominik Mysterio, adding another chapter to their ongoing issues, while CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship is expected to headline the entire event.

As it stands, WrestleMania 42 is set for 13 matches across the two nights, with seven on Night One and six on Night Two. However, there’s still a chance that number could change. A rumored showdown between Asuka and IYO Sky has yet to be officially added, and if confirmed, it could balance the card with seven matches on each night.