Tag: WrestleMania 42

Bron Breakker Is Medically Cleared – WWE Planned Rollins Vs. GUNTHER Weeks Ago

Seth Rollins vs. GUNTHER Set for WrestleMania 42 as WWE Delays Major Rollins/Breakker Feud

With WrestleMania 42 quickly approaching, WWE has started locking in key pieces for the two-night event—and one newly announced matchup has definitely raised some eyebrows.

During this week’s episode of Raw, Seth Rollins finally learned his WrestleMania opponent, and it’s not who many fans were expecting. Instead of squaring off with the rising Bron Breakker, Rollins is now set to collide with GUNTHER on the grand stage.

The setup came in chaotic fashion. Rollins, still entangled in his ongoing issues with Paul Heyman, took things to another level by attacking Heyman with a steel chair and finishing him off with a Curb Stomp. However, before Rollins could stand tall for long, GUNTHER stormed in, dragging him out of the ring and launching a brutal assault of his own—officially igniting their WrestleMania program.

The choice of GUNTHER as Rollins’ opponent comes as a surprise, especially given the limited time remaining to build the feud, with only a couple of Raw episodes left before WrestleMania. Many had assumed WWE was heading toward a high-profile clash between Rollins and Breakker, particularly given their recent tension.

Interestingly, Breakker’s absence from the WrestleMania match card isn’t due to injury concerns. According to Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Live, Breakker has already been medically cleared after spending time rehabbing at the WWE Performance Center. Instead, WWE reportedly made a strategic call to hold off on the Rollins vs. Breakker showdown, viewing it as a marquee program worth saving for a bigger stage down the line—potentially SummerSlam.

Meltzer also noted that the decision to insert GUNTHER into this spot wasn’t a last-minute pivot. Plans for him to face Rollins were reportedly put in motion weeks ago, particularly after Bronson Reed suffered an injury that forced WWE to reshuffle creative plans. At that point, someone affiliated with The Vision faction was slated to face Rollins, and GUNTHER ultimately landed in that role.

For context, Rollins’ issues with The Vision date back to last October, when the group turned on him and cast him out. Around that same time, Rollins was sidelined with a legitimate shoulder injury. He made his return at the Elimination Chamber premium live event, revealing himself as the mysterious masked figure who had been disrupting matches in the weeks leading up to the show.

While some fans may have expected a different opponent, Rollins vs. GUNTHER promises to be a hard-hitting encounter between two of WWE’s most intense competitors. Meanwhile, the delayed Rollins vs. Breakker feud could end up being an even bigger payoff if WWE gives it the time and spotlight it clearly believes it deserves.

Update on Nikki Bella Following Possible Ankle Injury on SmackDown

With WrestleMania season heating up, any potential injury can raise alarms—and that’s exactly what happened to Nikki Bella following last week’s episode of SmackDown. Fortunately, the latest update suggests fans can breathe a sigh of relief.

During a chaotic tag team match featuring The Bella Twins against Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, things broke down quickly. The Irresistible Forces, Nia Jax and her partner, stormed in after the match and laid out both teams, sparking a larger brawl that brought Bayley and Lyra Valkyria into the mix. While most of the women stood tall by the end of the segment, Nikki Bella was notably absent from the in-ring celebration.

The reason? A scary moment late in the match where Nikki appeared to tweak her ankle during an exchange with Nia Jax on the outside. She was seen limping and didn’t return to the action, instead being checked on by WWE medical staff as the segment wrapped up.

According to Bryan Alvarez on Wrestling Observer Live, the situation doesn’t appear to be serious. Nikki is reportedly “fine” despite the awkward landing, which is a welcome update given how close WWE is to its biggest show of the year.

Despite the scare, Nikki didn’t stay out of the spotlight for long. The Bella Twins made their presence felt on Monday Night Raw during the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match between The Irresistible Forces and the team of Bayley and Lyra Valkyria.

That match was already high-energy, with Bayley and Valkyria using speed and teamwork to counter the champions’ power. At one point, Bayley launched herself onto Nia Jax with a suicide dive, while Valkyria mixed in high-risk offense to keep the champs off balance. Still, the strength of the cha

John Cena To Be The Host Of WrestleMania 42

John Cena may be done competing inside a WWE ring, but he’s not going anywhere when it comes to WrestleMania.

After officially retiring from in-ring action this past December, the 16-time world champion has continued to hint that his relationship with WWE would evolve rather than end. Now, we have the first concrete example of what that next chapter looks like—Cena is set to host WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.

Taking to X earlier today, Cena revealed the news in his usual charismatic style. While promoting his latest Hollywood project, a Netflix film titled One Attempt Remaining, Cena connected the dots between his current filming schedule and WWE’s biggest event of the year.

With WrestleMania season in full swing, Cena noted that he’s already “on the road,” before confirming that he’ll be front and center in Vegas. The announcement immediately adds another layer of star power to an already stacked two-night event at Allegiant Stadium on April 18 and 19.

Cena’s last match still lingers in fans’ minds. At Saturday Night’s Main Event in December 2025, he tapped out to GUNTHER in a finish that left plenty of viewers scratching their heads—particularly given the smile on Cena’s face as he submitted. It was an unconventional sendoff, and one that sparked debate about whether it truly marked the end of his in-ring career.

While rumors had circulated about a potential WWE Hall of Fame induction in 2026, that doesn’t appear to be happening—at least for now. This year’s class is already filling out with names like AJ Styles, Stephanie McMahon, and Demolition, alongside celebrity inductee Dennis Rodman and legacy picks Sid Eudy and Bad News Brown.

Even without a match, Cena’s presence at WrestleMania 42 is a major addition. Hosting duties in recent years have often blurred the line between cameo appearances and storyline involvement, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Cena get physically involved in some capacity over the weekend.

As for the card itself, WWE is already loading up the show with marquee matchups. Roman Reigns vs. Cody Rhodes is set to headline one of the nights, while Rhea Ripley will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill in another high-profile clash.

With Cena now officially part of the mix, WrestleMania 42 just gained another must-watch element—and possibly a few surprises waiting to happen.

Fandango To Screen WrestleMania 42 In Cinemas

WWE is expanding how fans can تجربه WrestleMania 42, as the company has partnered with Fandango to bring the biggest show of the year to the big screen. It’s been announced that both nights of WrestleMania—set for April 18 and 19—will be broadcast live in movie theaters across the country.

Tickets are already available through Fandango’s website, giving fans another way to catch the action outside of the traditional home viewing experience. For those who opt for the theater route, there are some added perks as well. Ticket buyers will receive bonus digital content for the WWE Champions mobile game, including unlockable characters like Steve Austin, Hulk Hogan, and Liv Morgan.

That’s not the only bonus tied to the promotion. Fandango has also partnered with Fanatics to offer an exclusive merchandise bundle. Fans who secure their theater tickets will have the option to purchase a limited-edition WrestleMania 42 T-shirt for $49.99.

This year’s WrestleMania will take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, continuing WWE’s trend of hosting the event in major destination venues. As for how to watch at home, WrestleMania 42 will stream live on the ESPN App in the United States, while international viewers will be able to tune in via Netflix.

Between in-person attendance, at-home streaming, and now the theater experience, WWE is making sure WrestleMania weekend is more accessible—and more immersive—than ever before.

WWE Reportedly Considering Jelly Roll Tag Match for WrestleMania 42

WWE may be lining up another big crossover moment for WrestleMania 42, and it could involve Grammy Award–winning artist Jelly Roll stepping back into the ring.

The singer made headlines once again after appearing on the March 13 episode of WWE SmackDown as a guest on Miz TV. What started as a friendly segment quickly turned chaotic when The Miz offered to mentor Jelly Roll in the ring. The situation escalated after tensions rose involving Pretty Deadly’s Kit Wilson, eventually leading to Jelly Roll throwing a punch that accidentally connected with The Miz when Wilson ducked out of the way.

Now, new reports suggest that WWE may already be looking ahead to WrestleMania 42 with plans for the musician.

According to BodySlam+, WWE officials have discussed the idea of Jelly Roll competing in a tag team match at the event. The current concept would see him teaming up with Royce Keys—better known to many fans as Powerhouse Hobbs—forming an unlikely alliance built around their shared experiences and personal hardships.

While potential opponents haven’t been confirmed, recent developments on SmackDown could offer some clues. Given the confrontation that unfolded during the Miz TV segment, both The Miz and Kit Wilson appear to be logical candidates to oppose the duo if the match comes together.

The storyline may continue to build next week when Wilson is scheduled to call out Jelly Roll on SmackDown in Raleigh, North Carolina.

During their recent interaction, Jelly Roll mentioned he was actually a fan of Wilson and even performed the Pretty Deadly member’s signature dance. Wilson, however, took the gesture as mockery and fired back by accusing the singer of promoting an “unhealthy beauty standard.” The argument quickly turned physical when Wilson shoved Jelly Roll, prompting the punch that ultimately knocked out The Miz instead.

This wouldn’t be Jelly Roll’s first time stepping into a WWE ring. He previously competed at last year’s SummerSlam, teaming with Randy Orton in a tag match. Although their team didn’t walk away with the win, Jelly Roll’s performance reportedly left a strong impression on WWE leadership, including Chief Content Officer Paul “Triple H” Levesque.

If current discussions turn into official plans, WrestleMania 42 could feature another celebrity crossover moment—with Jelly Roll potentially returning to the ring on WWE’s biggest stage.

WWE Reportedly Lifts Local Blackout, Allowing Las Vegas Venues To Host WrestleMania 42 Watch Parties

WWE has reportedly made a last-minute change that could impact how fans in Las Vegas experience WrestleMania 42.

According to a new report from Fightful Select, the company has lifted its local blackout restriction that previously prevented venues near Allegiant Stadium from airing WWE premium live events. The rule had barred bars, casinos, and other venues within roughly a 50-mile radius of the host stadium from showing the event live, a policy WWE used as recently as last month’s Elimination Chamber in Chicago.

The change first came to light when Circa Las Vegas announced that its Stadium Swim venue would be hosting a WrestleMania watch party. With the blackout lifted, venues that secure the proper commercial licensing through Joe Hand Promotions can now legally broadcast the show for fans throughout the Las Vegas area.

Interestingly, several venue operators reportedly told Fightful that they were surprised by the reversal. Many had assumed WWE would stick to the blackout rule after earlier reports indicated the restriction would remain in place for the massive two-night event.

The original purpose of the blackout was straightforward: encourage fans to purchase tickets to WrestleMania at Allegiant Stadium rather than watch elsewhere locally. That approach mirrors strategies sometimes used in traditional sports when organizations attempt to maximize attendance for major events.

However, the decision initially drew frustration from local businesses and tourism officials. Casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues in Las Vegas reportedly pushed back against the policy, arguing that the city’s involvement in hosting WrestleMania was meant to create a broader economic boost throughout the area.

One source told Fightful that when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board approved the site fee to bring WrestleMania to the city, the expectation was that the event would benefit the entire local economy — not just the stadium and WWE-run activities.

The policy shift also comes amid ongoing reports that ticket sales for WrestleMania 42 haven’t been as strong as WWE may have hoped. A combination of rising travel costs, economic pressures, and what some fans feel has been a slower-than-usual build to the show has made some potential attendees hesitant about making the trip.

With the blackout now lifted, Las Vegas visitors and locals will have more options to enjoy the “Showcase of the Immortals” even if they don’t have a seat inside Allegiant Stadium. And with watch parties expected across the city, WrestleMania weekend could still bring the kind of widespread buzz and tourism impact Las Vegas was hoping for.

WWE Reportedly Planning Record Number of Women’s Matches for WrestleMania 42

WWE appears ready to make history with its women’s division at WrestleMania 42.

According to a new report from WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, WWE’s creative team is currently planning as many as six women’s matches across the two-night WrestleMania event set for Las Vegas this April. If that number holds, it would mark the highest number of women’s matches ever featured at a single WrestleMania.

The report claims that five of those matches are already locked in, with the possibility of a sixth bout being added as the card continues to take shape in the coming weeks.

Women’s Division Continues to Expand Its WrestleMania Presence

Over the last several years, WWE has significantly increased the spotlight on its women’s division at its biggest annual event. Many of those matches have gone on to become highlights of the show.

At WrestleMania 41, four women’s matches took place across both nights. One of the most talked-about contests came on Night 2, when Iyo Sky, Bianca Belair, and Rhea Ripley delivered a highly praised triple threat match that opened the show.

Looking back further, WrestleMania 40 in 2024 featured three women’s matches, while the year before also saw four bouts involving the women’s division.

If WWE follows through with the current creative plans, WrestleMania 42 will represent another major step forward for the division.

Two Major Title Matches Already Confirmed

Two women’s championship matches are already official for the event.

One of the featured bouts will see Rhea Ripley defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Jade Cargill, a high-profile clash that has quickly become one of the most anticipated matches on the card.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer will defend the WWE Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan, adding another marquee title contest to the lineup.

Potential Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee Match Teased

Another match that could soon be made official involves Becky Lynch and AJ Lee. The longtime rivals are reportedly being lined up for a showdown over AJ Lee’s WWE Intercontinental Championship.

If confirmed, the match would add even more star power to an already stacked women’s lineup for WrestleMania 42.

With multiple championship matches already announced and more potentially on the way, it’s clear WWE is continuing to emphasize the importance of the women’s division on the grandest stage of them all. As the road to WrestleMania continues, fans may soon see a record-breaking showcase for the women of WWE in Las Vegas.

WrestleMania 42 Creative Plans Taking Shape Amid Injuries, Uncertainty

WWE’s road to WrestleMania 42 hasn’t exactly been a straight shot to Las Vegas.

With injuries piling up, ticket movement reportedly slower than expected, and several key creative decisions still up in the air, the company is looking at this weekend’s Elimination Chamber as a potential turning point. While nothing earth-shattering has been finalized, new details are beginning to emerge regarding the direction of both the Undisputed WWE Championship and WWE Women’s Championship matches.

Undisputed Title Picture: McIntyre vs. Rhodes… or a Wild Card?

As things stand, Drew McIntyre is expected to defend the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 42, but the format of that match remains fluid.

The current working plan strongly points to Cody Rhodes being involved. Internally, Rhodes is said to be close to a lock for the title match, which wouldn’t come as a surprise given his consistent positioning near the top of the card. However, there’s hesitation behind the scenes about running back McIntyre vs. Rhodes in a straight singles bout, especially given their history. Some within WWE reportedly feel that matchup could come across as too predictable.

That’s where Jacob Fatu enters the conversation.

There have been discussions about potentially inserting Fatu into the match, turning it into a triple threat scenario. The creative logic is already there: Fatu has been at odds with Rhodes since costing him the Three Stages of Hell title defense back on January 9. Adding “The Samoan Werewolf” would not only freshen up the dynamic but also raise the stakes heading into WrestleMania weekend.

Other top names, including Randy Orton and Sami Zayn, are also lingering around the title scene. However, at this stage, WWE officials reportedly aren’t considering expanding the match beyond three competitors.

Women’s Championship: Is Rhea Ripley the Frontrunner?

On the women’s side, Jade Cargill’s dominant run as SmackDown Women’s Champion appears set for a major test in Las Vegas.

Several names have been floated as potential challengers, including Alexa Bliss, Tiffany Stratton, Asuka, Kiana James, and Raquel Rodriguez. But among them, Rhea Ripley is currently viewed as the favorite for the WrestleMania spot.

Nothing is locked in, and as always, creative plans can shift quickly. Still, Ripley vs. Cargill would be a marquee-level showdown that feels tailor-made for the WrestleMania stage.

Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi? Not So Fast.

Brock Lesnar’s return on Monday Night Raw immediately sparked speculation about a blockbuster clash with Oba Femi. The potential “Beast Incarnate” vs. “The Ruler” showdown is something fans are already buzzing about.

That said, there are reportedly no confirmed creative plans in place for that match just yet. WWE is aware of the interest, but whether it materializes at WrestleMania 42 remains to be seen.

The Two Matches Officially Set

Despite the uncertainty surrounding several major storylines, two WrestleMania 42 matches are already confirmed:

  • WWE World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk or Finn Bálor will defend against Roman Reigns.
  • WWE Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer will defend her title against 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan.

With Elimination Chamber looming and creative decisions still in flux, the WrestleMania 42 card feels like it’s in a holding pattern — but not for long. Las Vegas is fast approaching, and WWE will need to solidify its marquee matches soon if it wants the “Showcase of the Immortals” to live up to its name.

Expect movement in the coming days. The Road to WrestleMania rarely stays predictable for long.

WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales Slowing Down Despite Price Adjustments

With WrestleMania 42 headed to Las Vegas this April, new data suggests ticket demand may not be matching WWE’s aggressive pricing strategy — even after recent adjustments.

According to the latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Dave Meltzer reports that ticket movement this past week was actually slower than the week prior, despite WWE implementing price cuts across all seating tiers over Valentine’s Day weekend. Even with those reductions, there has reportedly been limited traction at the lowest price points.

Current numbers show Night One sitting at 35,690 tickets distributed, while Night Two is slightly ahead at 36,372. Meltzer notes that overall sales and comps are down 17,252 tickets compared to the same point last year, putting WrestleMania 42 roughly 19.3% behind 2025’s pace.

However, before anyone jumps to conclusions, there’s an important caveat: revenue tells a very different story.

Even with softer demand, WrestleMania 42 is still projected to generate one of the largest gates in combat sports history. The reason? Historically high ticket prices. The current “get-in” price for Night One is $264, with Night Two starting at $276 — figures that are dramatically higher than what fans paid just a few years ago.

A WWE source cited by Meltzer reportedly downplayed concerns about the product itself being a factor, instead pointing to sticker shock as the real issue. As the source put it, the audience is still there — the question is whether they’re willing to pay what was described as “ten gazillion dollars for tickets.”

For context, Pollstar previously reported that WrestleMania 41 sold 113,412 tickets across two nights, generating a staggering $66,074,558 — shattering prior pro wrestling and MMA gate records. Meltzer added that at this same stage last year, WWE was still able to move around 15,000 tickets per night in the weeks leading up to the event.

What’s changed most dramatically is the average ticket price. In 2023, the average ‘Mania ticket cost $169. That figure jumped to $341 in 2024 and ballooned to $582.61 in 2025. The average price for WrestleMania 42 is reportedly even higher than that, suggesting WWE is betting heavily on premium pricing over volume.

Whether the company ultimately fills Allegiant Stadium remains to be seen. But even if the event falls short of a sellout on April 18 and 19, the financial outcome could still rival — or surpass — previous records.

In other words, WrestleMania may not be moving tickets at last year’s pace, but from a revenue standpoint, WWE is still playing in an entirely different league.

WWE Holds Internal Meeting As WrestleMania 42 Ticket Sales Trail Behind Last Year’s Pace

WrestleMania season is officially underway, but it appears WWE has some ground to make up when it comes to filling Allegiant Stadium for WrestleMania 42.

After early reports suggested ticket sales for this year’s two-night spectacle in Las Vegas were lagging behind expectations, WWE has reportedly taken action behind the scenes. According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, the company recently held a multi-department meeting focused specifically on boosting ticket sales for the April event.

The internal discussion reportedly involved multiple areas of the company being tasked with ramping up promotional efforts. With just over two months remaining until WrestleMania 42, departments were encouraged to implement new strategies to drive interest and increase momentum heading into WWE’s biggest weekend of the year.

Sales Numbers Behind Last Year’s Pace

Per WrestleTix, WrestleMania 42 has currently distributed around 36,000 tickets for both Saturday and Sunday. While that’s a strong number by most standards, it falls well short of where WrestleMania 41 stood at this same point last year. By February 2025, WWE had already moved approximately 10,000 more tickets per night for the previous Las Vegas installment, which ultimately drew between 56,000 and 60,000 fans on both evenings.

One notable detail: WWE reportedly has no plans to reduce ticket prices to stimulate sales. As of now, the least expensive seat available for either night sits at $266.80 before fees. That pricing strategy suggests the company is confident it can build demand through marketing and storyline developments rather than adjusting its premium-event model.

Watch Party Restrictions Stir Frustration

Adding another layer to the situation, Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp recently reported that WWE is prohibiting WrestleMania watch parties at venues within a 50-mile radius of Allegiant Stadium. The move has reportedly caused frustration among local establishments, especially considering Las Vegas paid a significant site fee to host the event, with the expectation that WrestleMania week would drive tourism and related business activity throughout the city.

Blocking nearby watch parties could be viewed as an effort to funnel more fans directly into the stadium. However, it may also create tension with local businesses that were hoping to capitalize on the influx of wrestling fans.

Star Power Still to Be Announced

At the moment, only one match has been officially confirmed for WrestleMania 42: 2026 Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns challenging CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship. While that’s a marquee main event by any standard, WrestleMania cards typically rely on a full slate of high-profile bouts to drive last-minute ticket movement.

With major storylines expected to intensify in the coming weeks, WWE will likely lean heavily on its television programming to build urgency and excitement. Historically, once the full card takes shape and celebrity involvement rumors begin circulating, ticket sales often receive a late push.

For now, all eyes are on how WWE’s internal strategy shift impacts sales momentum. WrestleMania remains the crown jewel of the company’s calendar, and with Las Vegas hosting once again, expectations are sky-high — even if the current numbers haven’t quite caught up yet.