Full Breakdown
WrestleMania 42: Major Matches and Lineup Announced
4/7/2026, 9:13:05 PM
Key Matches and Schedule
WrestleMania 42 is set to take place over two nights, April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event will feature a lineup of high-profile matches, with WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending his title against Randy Orton on Night 1, while World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk will face Roman Reigns in the main event on Night 2. The card was officially announced by WWE broadcaster Joe Tessitore during an appearance on ESPN's "Get Up."
Night 1 Highlights
- Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship
- Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship
- AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship featuring Nia Jax and Lash Legend (c), Bayley and Lyra Valkyria, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss, and Nikki and Brie Bella.
Night 2 Highlights
- CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship
- Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley for the WWE Women’s Championship
- Ladder Match for the Men’s Intercontinental Championship featuring Penta (c), Rey Mysterio, Rusev, Je’Von Evans, JD McDonagh, and Dragon Lee.
- Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi in a singles match.
Background and Context
WrestleMania has evolved into a two-night event since 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This format allows for a more extensive lineup and accommodates the growing number of matches and storylines in WWE programming. The anticipation for WrestleMania 42 has been building for weeks, particularly around the marquee matchups featuring top stars like Rhodes, Orton, Punk, and Reigns.
Official Statements & Responses
Joe Tessitore emphasized the excitement surrounding the event, stating, "WrestleMania is always a spectacle, and this year’s lineup promises to deliver unforgettable moments." However, there are concerns regarding the health of Liv Morgan, who is currently undergoing evaluations after a collision on Raw, which may impact her participation in the championship match.
Criticism & Opposition
Some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the inclusion of celebrities like Pat McAfee in significant matches, arguing that it detracts from the wrestling talent. Additionally, there are worries about the potential for injuries to alter the card as the event approaches.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the announced card includes 13 matches, there are indications that one more match may be added before the event. Speculation surrounds a potential singles bout between IYO SKY and Asuka, which has not yet been officially confirmed.
What's Next
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, fans will be closely monitoring any changes to the lineup, particularly regarding the health of key competitors. The event is expected to draw significant viewership, with both nights beginning at 6 p.m. ET and available on ESPN programming.
