WrestleMania 42 Predictions: Orton Eyes Historic 16th Title Against Former Ally Rhodes
The grandest stage in professional wrestling is set to illuminate Las Vegas once again as WWE prepares for WrestleMania 42. This year's extravaganza promises high-stakes drama, with legendary superstar Randy Orton positioned to make history in a headline clash against his former friend, Cody Rhodes.
Star-Studded Lineup and Main Event Showdowns
WrestleMania 42 features a packed roster of elite talent, including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and the iconic John Cena, who will serve as host. The event returns to Allegiant Stadium in Sin City for the second consecutive year, solidifying Las Vegas as a premier destination for sports entertainment.
In one of the two main events, Randy Orton challenges for his 16th world championship, putting him within striking distance of John Cena's record 17 titles. His opponent is none other than Cody Rhodes, a wrestler once considered a close ally but now a formidable foe. This match follows another highly anticipated main event where CM Punk defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns in a grudge match.
Confirmed Match Card and Bold Predictions
The two-night spectacle boasts an array of championship bouts and rivalry settlements. Here is the full confirmed lineup along with expert predictions:
Night 1 Matches
- Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and LA Knight vs Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed
- Drew McIntyre vs Jacob Fatu (Unsanctioned Match)
- Lash Legend and Nia Jax vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs Nikki Bella and Brie Bella (Women’s World Tag-Team Championship)
- AJ Lee vs Becky Lee (Women’s Intercontinental Championship)
- Seth Rollins vs Gunther
- Stephanie Vaquer vs Liv Morgan (Women’s World Championship)
- Cody Rhodes vs Randy Orton (Undisputed WWE Championship)
Night 2 Matches
- Penta vs Rey Mysterio vs JD McDonagh vs Rusev vs Je’Von Evans vs Dragon Lee (Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match)
- Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi
- Sami Zayn vs Trick Williams (United States Championship)
- Jade Cargill vs Rhea Ripley (Women’s WWE Championship)
- Finn Balor vs Dominik Mysterio
- CM Punk vs Roman Reigns (World Heavyweight Championship)
Predictions: Randy Orton is expected to defeat Cody Rhodes, mirroring John Cena's victory from the previous year and inching closer to the title record. Roman Reigns is predicted to dethrone CM Punk, avenging last year's triple-threat loss. Gunther's current hot streak suggests a win over Seth Rollins, while Brock Lesnar may pass the torch to rising star Oba Femi.
In other key bouts, Dominik Mysterio could face defeat against Finn Balor, and Rhea Ripley might overcome Jade Cargill. Liv Morgan is tipped to capture the Women’s World Championship from Stephanie Vaquer. Penta could defy odds in the ladder match, but Sami Zayn may fall to Trick Williams. Becky Lee is forecasted to reclaim the Intercontinental title, with Bayley and Lyra Valkyria emerging as potential winners in the chaotic women’s tag-team match.
Jacob Fatu is predicted to triumph over Drew McIntyre, and the Uso twins alongside LA Knight are expected to secure a feel-good victory.
Event Details and Celebrity Involvement
WrestleMania 42 will unfold over two nights on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In the United States, each evening begins at 4pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET, while UK viewers can tune in at 11pm BST.
The event will stream live on Netflix for most global territories, including the UK, at no additional cost to subscribers. However, in the US, it will air exclusively on ESPN.
Celebrity participation adds extra glamour, with YouTubers Logan Paul and IShowSpeed competing as a team. Music artists Jelly Roll and Lil Yachty will make appearances, alongside sports analyst Pat McAfee. John Cena, transitioning from wrestler to actor, will host the festivities.
Wrestler Earnings and Financial Insights
While specific WWE contract details remain confidential, it is known that wrestlers earn a minimum base salary, reportedly $250,000 as of 2022 for main roster members. This figure is supplemented by merchandise sales and pay-per-view bonuses, which peak during WrestleMania weekend, making it potentially the most lucrative period for performers.
According to 2023 reports, top earners include Roman Reigns and Randy Orton at $5 million annually, Seth Rollins at $3.5 million, Cody Rhodes at $3 million, and Logan Paul at $2 million, excluding additional bonuses.
As the wrestling world converges on Las Vegas, WrestleMania 42 promises unforgettable moments, historic achievements, and thrilling entertainment for fans worldwide.
