WWE faces a challenge in booking Brock Lesnar's opponent for WrestleMania 42 after reports that Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman have insisted he not lose any matches until retirement. Fans have pushed for a matchup against two-time NXT Champion Oba Femi, teased at the January Royal Rumble, but this could conflict with creative plans. Alternative opponents like LA Knight are now under consideration.
WrestleMania 42, set for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, is less than six weeks away as of early March 2026. Brock Lesnar returned to WWE on the February 23 episode of Monday Night Raw, issuing an open challenge for the event and promising an epic beating to any acceptor, as stated by Paul Heyman. Lesnar plans to appear on Raw for the next five weeks awaiting a challenger.
WWE creative is aware of fan interest in a Lesnar vs. Oba Femi bout, following a tease during the Men's Royal Rumble in January. However, insider Ibou on the Self Made Sessions Podcast reported a key obstacle. "Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman essentially have communicated to WWE and WWE creative that Brock should not job until his retirement," Ibou said. This stance creates a dilemma, as Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque reportedly wants to book Lesnar against Oba Femi and Gunther at some point, matches that would likely end in Lesnar losses to elevate rising stars.
The condition has led to considerations of opponents like LA Knight, who could lose without significant setback. As of the latest reports, no decision has been made on Lesnar's WrestleMania opponent. Lesnar has had a light schedule since his SummerSlam return last year, including a squash win over John Cena at WrestlePalooza in September, a winning WarGames team at Survivor Series, and a brief Royal Rumble appearance.
Rumors suggest Lesnar may retire at this year's SummerSlam in Minneapolis, his adopted hometown, though WWE has not confirmed this. Sources indicate Lesnar remains a major draw but has historically been challenging to book.
