Tag: WrestleMania 42

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.

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.