Reports indicate growing frustration within WWE due to repeated creative shifts and promotional changes for WrestleMania 42. The event, now set for Las Vegas, has seen slower ticket sales and multiple match adjustments amid injuries and planning pivots. Only a handful of matches are confirmed as the April spectacle approaches.
WrestleMania 42, scheduled for April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, has been marked by internal challenges since its initial announcement. Originally planned for New Orleans, the event was relocated despite a television reveal by The Rock, leading to confusion from the outset. Slower-than-expected ticket sales prompted an "all departments meeting" in early February, with reports suggesting further card alterations to boost interest.
Creative switches have repositioned top stars multiple times, fueling frustration in various departments. According to WrestleVotes via Fightful Select, one WWE department expressed irritation over repeated changes to the event's promotional graphics, which initially featured a "high-end, classy vibe" but have since been reworked several times. This has required staff to revise posters and hype packages repeatedly.
Confirmed matches include Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship and Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer for the Women's World Championship, both reported across multiple sources. However, details on the Undisputed WWE World Championship bout vary: SI.com reports Cody Rhodes defending against Drew McIntyre, while Fightful indicates Drew McIntyre vs. Randy Orton. Newsweek quotes Rhodes discussing a potential Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton main event alongside CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns. Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women's Championship is consistently listed, though its night is unconfirmed.
An planned triple threat for the Women's United States Title involving Giulia, Tiffany Stratton, and Jordynne Grace was scrapped after Grace's injury on Main Event. Separately, WrestleVotes notes consideration of adding stipulations to planned matches. Cody Rhodes, on the Complex Graps podcast, predicted a "sleeper Mania" that could be "one of the better Manias, if not the best," highlighting bell-to-bell action and exciting potential guests. Reports also point to Brock Lesnar's open challenge likely facing Oba Femi, stemming from their Royal Rumble interaction, with WWE aiming to protect Lesnar's legacy.
Other rumored bouts include Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu and Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams, with up to six women's matches and 14-16 total bouts anticipated, featuring emerging talents like Je'Von Evans and Kit Wilson.
