ESPN reporter Andreas Hale will not be covering WrestleMania 42 for the platform after his credentials were denied and access was blocked by WWE.
Writing on social media, Hale provided an update that neither he nor ESPN are aware of the reasons why their access was blocked, noting that if fans wanted answers, then they should ask WWE:
“I will not be covering #WrestleMania for ESPN. WWE denied my credentials and blocked my access. Neither I nor ESPN has been told why. You can speculate on the reasons, but if you want answers, ask WWE. Let me know what they tell you.”
ESPN is the home of Premium Live Events in the United States. While WrestleMania 42 will air live on the ESPN subscription platform on April 18 and 19, the first hour of both nights will air free on the standard channel.
The media rights agreement between both parties began back in September 2025 with the Premium Live Event Wrestlepalooza. Regarded as one of the weakest shows of 2025, Hale gave the show a C grade when reviewing the PLE for ESPN. Hale also wrote an article for ESPN on the Janel Grant lawsuit, which lists WWE as one of the defendants.
Analysis – WWE Potentially Seeking Damage Control With ESPN Block
It’s no secret that WWE have struggled with making WrestleMania 42 a success creatively and financially. Along with struggling to sell out the event by raising prices further and returning to Vegas for the second year in a row, the inclusion of Pat McAfee into the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton storyline has alienated a lot of fans, as there was already a built-in story between both sides.
With ESPN being a reputable media outlet, and not afraid to call out WWE on their misfires, it’s no surprise that the company would restrict access to avoid the repeat of another bad grade.
There will be critiques of the event regardless of what happens, but a media partner finding the biggest show of the year to be sub-par is not a risk they are willing to take. Much like with the reported blocking of watch parties to try and increase ticket sales, this is another example of WWE not reading the room and realising that the quality of product is not value for money.
Featured image: WWE/ESPN
