The biggest pro wrestling event of 2026, WrestleMania 42, will descend on Las Vegas for the second consecutive year on April 18 and 19.
The main event of the weekend will see the World Heavyweight Championship in focus as CM Punk will put his title on the line against Roman Reigns. This will be The Tribal Chief’s first title match since losing his Undisputed Championship 2 years prior.
Additionally, Women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan will challenge Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi will face off in a first-time ever bout, and Rhea Ripley will look to dethrone Jade Cargill as the WWE Women’s Champion.
WrestleMania 42 will emanate from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas following the success of the event in the city the previous year.
WrestleMania 42 Predictions:
Night One:
The Vision And IShowSpeed vs. The Usos And LA Knight
The result of this match could come down to whether or not Bron Breakker is cleared to compete, and if WWE want to use Mania as the place for his return. There are multiple avenues that WWE could go down with this one. Along with a possible Breakker return, there is also the possibility that Speed is further cursed by Danhausen, who will no doubt make multiple appearances accross the weekend. With a lot of heel wins seemingly set for this show, this could be the feel-good win where Knight gets more revenge on Speed.
Winners: LA Knight and The Usos
Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu In An Unsanctioned Match
All signs point to Jacob Fatu winning this one. SmackDown needs another top babyface to challenge for the World Title, and Drew McIntyre is set to take time away to film Highlander. There will be some brutal spots and possibly some bloodshed, but this will be Fatu’s night once more, meaning that he will go 2-0 at Mania.
Winner: Jacob Fatu
Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan For The Women’s World Championship
It’s unfortunate that Vaquer has not had a better reign with the championship, as her time with the title looks set to end at WrestleMania 42. Along with the fact that Morgan has the upper hand with The Judgment Day in her corner, the division needs a refresh with new challengers for the gold. What happens next with Vaquer is unknown, but hopefully La Primera is still featured strongly.
Winner: Liv Morgan
AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch For The Women’s Intercontinental Championship
Surprisingly, this match doesn’t have a stipulation attached given the history between both women and how they are both known to pick up submission wins. It will likely be via nefarious means, but Lynch is likely to get her win back here, especially as there is a strong chance that Lee could be taking time away post-Mania. With NXT call-ups rumoured and Nattie stating she wants the IC Title, Lynch will not be short on opponents.
Winner: AJ Lee
The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) (c) vs. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs. The Bella Twins (Brie Bella and Nikki Bella) – 4-way match for the Women’s Tag Team Championships
The Women’s Tag division has had a lot more focus compared to previous years, largely due to the amount of star power in the match. Truthfully, there is a case for any of these teams to walk out as champions, along with the strong chance that Bliss and Flair and/or Bayley and Valkyria could implode. With The Bellas being the returning legends and potentially on their last run, don’t be surprised if Nikki and Brie pick up the win at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas.
Winners: The Bella Twins
Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
Unsurprisingly, this has a very high chance of being the match of the weekend. Despite the fact that both men had their plans changed due to injury, both will give the fans something to remember as this could also be an unofficial number one contenders match for the World Title. In terms of a winner, it’s still too early for Gunther to take a loss here, so expect to see The Ring General stand tall.
Winner: Gunther
Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton For The WWE Championship
This match already had a built-in story and was compelling, but then WWE decided to add Pat McAfee. Feeling that they needed a third name added to the story for reasons, McAfee will unfortunately be a major factor in this match, also likely having words with his former broadcast colleague Michael Cole throughout. With Orton known to go to dark places given his history, and Rhodes unable to pull the trigger, this will be the night where Orton wins that 15th World Championship.
Winner: Randy Orton
Night Two:
Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
Hopefully, this match will follow the same formula of Lesnar vs. Goldberg from WrestleMania 33, a short match with big moves from the outset. This is not a match where we need rest holds or a 30-minute classic. As Big E famously said, this is the big meaty men slapping meat match, and should deliver on that promise. In terms of the result, Femi has to win here. Lesnar gains nothing from winning this match and is rumoured to be on the way out at SummerSlam. Femi is a star on the rise and looks set to be World Champion at some point, and this would be the perfect way to start that journey.
Winner: Oba Femi
Penta (c) vs. Je’Von Evans vs. Dragon Lee vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio – 6-way ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship
Expect fast action from the get-go with this one. Filled with big spots and pandemonium from the outset, high-flyers Lee and Evans will be the ones to create the moments fans will be talking about to pop the fans. In terms fo the finish, expect Penta to be the one to retain the title.
Winner: Penta
Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley For The WWE Women’s Championship
Truthfully, there is a case t be made for this match to go either way. Either WWE could try to establish Cargill as a major champion by having her pick up the big win over Ripley, or the company could have Ripley be the focal point of SmackDown. With IYO SKY being left with little to do following her split from Ripley, it would be nice to see them revisit their feud one more time. However, with a Cargill vs. Charlotte Flair match also being teased, this is likely the one that happens first.
Winner: Jade Cargill
Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams For The United States Championship
With the main event title scene on the older side, WWE needs some youth for the rest of the field. There is no denying that Williams is now one of the most popular stars on SmackDown, and the company should not overlook this like they have with previous rising stars. A Williams title win would be the best call here, which will hopefully lead to a Williams vs. Hayes feud on the main roster, revisiting their NXT rivalry.
Winner: Trick Williams
Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
The Demon will be returning at WrestleMania and Mysterio has not had the best record when it comes to Mania matches. All signs point to Balor winning this one, overcoming the odds of the interfering JD McDonagh. What is next for Balor is unknown, but this will be a much-needed big win for the former World Champion.
Winner: Finn Balor
CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns For The World Heavyweight Championship
One of the best built matches on the card as both men have gotten physical multiple times but left the fans wanting to see more. This will likely be a long match to play into the story that Punk is the older champion and with decades of wear and tear on his body. Despite giving it his all, and maybe some additional interference from The Usos, Punk will not be able to get the job done here, potentially setting up a heel turn as he starts to wind down. Whether or not Reigns will stick to a champion’s schedule is another matter…
Winner: Roman Reigns
WrestleMania 42 will air live on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix internationally.
Featured image: WWE
