WrestleMania 42 Match Card: Every Confirmed Bout for Two-Night WWE Showpiece
WrestleMania has returned once again, as WWE prepares to host its premier annual event in a spectacular two-night format. The excitement is building for WrestleMania 42, which will feature an impressive roster of wrestling superstars including CM Punk, Roman Reigns, and Randy Orton. Adding to the star power, legendary wrestler-turned-actor John Cena will serve as host, while several celebrities are set to make appearances throughout the event.
Controversial Venue Choice and Fan Reaction
In an unusual decision, WrestleMania 42 will be held in the same city as its predecessor, returning to Las Vegas's Allegiant Stadium. This announcement, made last year, has generated mixed reactions from fans. Many expressed disappointment, particularly after initial indications suggested New Orleans would host the event. Additionally, ticket prices have been a point of contention among the WWE fanbase.
Despite these criticisms surrounding this year's "Showcase of the Immortals," anticipation is steadily growing. The promise of high-profile matches and celebrity involvement has captured the attention of wrestling enthusiasts worldwide.
Complete WrestleMania 42 Match Card
Night 1 – Saturday 18 April 2026
- 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 (Women’s World Tag-Team Champions) vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs Nikki Bella and Brie Bella
- AJ Lee (Women’s Intercontinental Champion) vs Becky Lee
- Seth Rollins vs Gunther
- Stephanie Vaquer (Women’s World Champion) vs Liv Morgan
- Cody Rhodes (Undisputed WWE Champion) vs Randy Orton
Night 2 – Sunday 19 April 2026
- Penta (Intercontinental Champion) vs Rey Mysterio vs JD McDonagh vs Rusev vs Je’Von Evans vs Dragon Lee (Ladder Match)
- Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi
- Sami Zayn (United States Champion) vs Trick Williams
- Jade Cargill (Women’s WWE Champion) vs Rhea Ripley
- Finn Balor vs Dominik Mysterio
- CM Punk (World Heavyweight Champion) vs Roman Reigns
Event Details and Broadcasting Information
WrestleMania 42 will take place on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event follows the two-night format established in 2020. In the United States, each night's action begins at 4pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the start time converts to 11pm BST.
Regarding broadcasting, WrestleMania 42 will stream live on Netflix in the UK and most international territories. Subscribers can access the event at no additional cost as part of their existing plans. However, in the United States, the event will air live on ESPN.
Celebrity Involvement and Host Announcement
The event will feature significant celebrity participation, enhancing its crossover appeal. YouTubers Logan Paul and IShowSpeed are confirmed to compete, even teaming up together in a match. Music star Jelly Roll and rapper Lil Yachty will also appear in various capacities throughout the weekend.
Most notably, John Cena, who retired from wrestling in December, will return to WWE as the official host of WrestleMania 42. Additionally, NFL kicker-turned-sports analyst Pat McAfee is expected to make an appearance, adding to the diverse lineup of personalities.
Wrestler Earnings and Financial Insights
The financial aspects of WWE contracts have traditionally been challenging to verify. However, WWE executive Triple H (Paul Levesque) revealed in a 2022 interview with The Athletic that wrestlers on the main roster have a minimum base salary of $250,000. This figure likely applies to members of the Smackdown and Raw rosters, excluding those in the developmental NXT program.
Wrestlers' incomes are supplemented through merchandise sales and believed to include shares of pay-per-view revenue. WrestleMania weekend typically generates substantial merchandise and viewership sales, potentially making these dates the most profitable of the year for many WWE performers.
According to a 2023 report by The Mirror, some of the highest annual WWE salaries include:
- Roman Reigns: $5 million
- Randy Orton: $5 million
- Seth Rollins: $3.5 million
- Cody Rhodes: $3 million
- Logan Paul: $2 million
These figures reportedly do not account for bonuses or additional earnings from merchandise and other revenue streams.
