WrestleMania 42 Predictions: Orton's Historic Bid Against Former Friend Rhodes
The most significant event on the WWE calendar is approaching once again, as WrestleMania 42 prepares to captivate audiences worldwide. This year's spectacle returns to the vibrant city of Las Vegas, just twelve months after the previous edition was held in Sin City. The event promises high-stakes drama, with legendary wrestlers and celebrity guests set to feature prominently.
Star-Studded Lineup and Key Matches
Among the headline acts is the iconic Randy Orton, who challenges for his sixteenth world championship in one of the two main events. Orton will face off against Cody Rhodes, a former friend turned bitter rival, in a clash that could redefine WWE history. The other primary bout sees CM Punk defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, adding another layer of intensity to the weekend.
The legendary John Cena, who retired from in-ring competition in December, will serve as the host of WrestleMania 42. His presence adds a nostalgic element to the proceedings, bridging generations of wrestling fans.
Full Match Card and Schedule
WrestleMania 42 will unfold over two nights, continuing the format established in 2020. The action commences on Saturday, April 18, and concludes on Sunday, April 19, with all events taking place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In the United States, each evening begins at 4pm Pacific Time, 6pm Central Time, and 7pm Eastern Time. For viewers in the United Kingdom, the broadcast starts at midnight BST on Sunday and Monday mornings.
Night One Matches:
- Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and LA Knight versus Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed
- Drew McIntyre versus Jacob Fatu
- Women's World Tag-Team Championship Fatal Four-Way: Lash Legend and Nia Jax vs Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss vs Bayley and Lyra Valkyria vs Nikki Bella and Brie Bella
- AJ Lee defends the Women's Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lee
- Seth Rollins versus Gunther
- Stephanie Vaquer defends the Women's World Championship against Liv Morgan
- Cody Rhodes defends the Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton
Night Two Matches:
- Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match: Penta vs Rey Mysterio vs JD McDonagh vs Rusev vs Je'Von Evans vs Dragon Lee
- Brock Lesnar versus Oba Femi
- Sami Zayn defends the United States Championship against Trick Williams
- Jade Cargill defends the Women's WWE Championship against Rhea Ripley
- Finn Balor versus Dominik Mysterio
- CM Punk defends the World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns
Expert Predictions and Analysis
Randy Orton is predicted to secure victory over Cody Rhodes, moving within one world title of the record held by John Cena. This outcome would mirror Cena's own triumph over Rhodes at WrestleMania 41. In the other main event, Roman Reigns is forecast to dethrone CM Punk, avenging their joint loss in a triple-threat match with Seth Rollins last year.
Gunther is expected to continue his impressive winning streak by defeating Seth Rollins, having previously bested John Cena in Cena's retirement match. Brock Lesnar may face a symbolic passing of the torch when he encounters the rising star Oba Femi, with the newcomer poised for a significant upset.
In other notable bouts, Dominik Mysterio could receive his comeuppance against Finn Balor, while Rhea Ripley might overcome Jade Cargill to claim the Women's WWE Championship. Liv Morgan is anticipated to find a cunning path to victory against Stephanie Vaquer, capturing the Women's World Championship.
Penta could defy the odds in the chaotic six-man ladder match, whereas Sami Zayn may struggle against the ascending Trick Williams. Becky Lee is projected to reclaim the Intercontinental Championship from AJ Lee, and the women's tag-team fatal four-way is wide open, with Bayley and Lyra Valkyria emerging as potential victors.
Jacob Fatu is tipped for a major win over Drew McIntyre, and the Uso twins alongside LA Knight are predicted to secure a feel-good triumph in their tag-team encounter.
Celebrity Involvement and Broadcasting Details
WrestleMania 42 will feature several celebrity participants, including YouTubers Logan Paul and IShowSpeed, who will compete as a team. Music artist Jelly Roll and rapper Lil Yachty are also scheduled to appear in various capacities. Additionally, former NFL kicker and sports analyst Pat McAfee is expected to make a special appearance.
The event will be streamed live on Netflix in the United Kingdom and most international territories, included as part of standard subscription plans at no extra cost. In the United States, however, WrestleMania 42 will air exclusively on ESPN.
Financial Insights and Wrestler Earnings
The specifics of WWE contracts remain largely confidential, but insights from WWE executive Triple H indicate that the minimum base salary for wrestlers on the Smackdown and Raw rosters was $250,000 as of 2022. This figure likely excludes performers from the developmental NXT brand and may have increased since then.
Wrestlers' incomes are significantly supplemented by merchandise sales and believed shares of pay-per-view revenue. WrestleMania weekend typically generates substantial merchandise and viewership, making it one of the most lucrative periods for WWE talent annually.
According to a 2023 report by The Mirror, some of the highest annual earnings in WWE include Roman Reigns and Randy Orton at $5 million each, Seth Rollins at $3.5 million, Cody Rhodes at $3 million, and Logan Paul at $2 million. These figures do not account for additional bonuses and endorsements.
