5 Early Predictions for WWE WrestleMania 42
WWE’s biggest two-night extravaganza of the year is headed back to Las Vegas, planning to bring fans worldwide the spectacle of WrestleMania 42. No matches have been announced yet, leading to much speculation among wrestling fans about which battles the creative director, Triple H, might conjure up for a global audience.
Allegiant Stadium will feature another two nights of WrestleMania. Paradise, Nevada, will play host to The Showcase of the Immortals on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026. Before 2025 officially comes to a close, let’s review five potential matchups for the most significant event in sports entertainment.
#1. WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Main Event: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Perhaps the most alluring challenger for Cody Rhodes in Vegas this year is an old rival who faced The American Nightmare in back-to-back WrestleManias. Reigns and Rhodes could add another chapter to their rivalry inside Hell in a Cell this April.
If The Rock once again inserts himself into Cody’s business during WrestleMania season, perhaps he could play a pivotal role in the storyline between The Tribal Chief and the reigning Undisputed Champion. He could become a deciding factor in the Reigns vs. Cody trilogy by interfering in their match or serving as a biased special guest referee inside Hell in a Cell.
Perhaps this potential bout would offer the perfect opportunity to turn Cody heel or tease a heel turn, possibly leading to The American Nightmare finally selling his soul to The Great One, setting the stage for future clashes like Rock vs. Reigns at WrestleMania 43 as well as the fourth major singles match between Roman and Cody.
#2. WrestleMania 42 Night: CM Punk (c) vs. Logan Paul
CM Punk is currently scheduled to defend his World Title against Bron Breakker during the first anniversary of RAW on Netflix, which is slated to take place on January 5, 2026. However, if Punk can hold onto the Big Gold Belt until at least April, he may be the defending champion going into WrestleMania.
If that’s the case, is there a bigger star from the red brand to fight at The Show of Shows than “The Maverick” Logan Paul? The Paul brothers make headlines whenever they compete in combat sports, drawing significant money and viewers as stars across boxing and professional wrestling, with Logan participating in both. The Maverick has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Floyd “Money” Mayweather.
A one-on-one collision with Punk in a WrestleMania main event would catapult Paul’s career even further as a megastar in the world of sports entertainment, while also majorly improving the stock of his faction, The Vision. Capturing the World Heavyweight Championship from Punk at WrestleMania would solidify Paul’s place as a top headliner for years to come in WWE.
#3. Gunther vs. AJ Styles
The former World Tag Team Champion has made it publicly known that he’s looking to retire from in-ring competition in 2026. The Ring General has already retired the likes of Goldberg and John Cena, defeating both legends and effectively ending their wrestling careers.
Gunther could end up adding “AJ Styles” to his list of victims, potentially sending The Phenomenal One into retirement as soon as WrestleMania 42. AJ already appeared to have an issue with Gunther after Cena’s retirement match, which could foreshadow a future clash between the two former world champions.
The Ring General may not be ready for a WrestleMania main-event spot in 2026. However, he could still build up momentum at the expense of a phenomenal opponent at April’s Showcase of the Immortals. Gunther will likely compete for a top title once again sometime in the coming year. Still, an upper mid-card storyline with Styles is what’s best for The Ring General before moving on to more prominent opponents like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns.
#4. Drew McIntyre vs. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis
The Scottish Warrior has become a thorn in Nick Aldis’s side in recent months, routinely making his job more difficult because of Drew’s conduct and the violence that comes with it. If the Scotsman is unable to win the Undisputed Title from Cody or if he’s unable to hold onto that title in time for WrestleMania 42, he might have to settle for another lower-card affair at ‘Mania, much like his battle with Damian Priest the year prior.
The tension between Aldis and McIntyre might boil over in the coming weeks, leading to the SmackDown General Manager making his official WWE in-ring debut on The Grandest Stage of Them All. There’s also the chance this potential feud could lead to a multi-match rivalry lasting several months in 2026.
#5. Chris Jericho Battles “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio
Y2J’s AEW contract will officially expire at the end of 2025, leaving open the possibility of Chris Jericho once again returning to a WWE ring. The Royal Rumble match offers a perfect opportunity for a wide range of past talent to make a comeback, surprising fans with their presence and performances.
Jericho could potentially return during the men’s Rumble and set the groundwork for what’s to come for Y2J on the Road to WrestleMania 42. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio would arguably make a perfect opponent for Jericho to battle at ‘Mania.
Still, considering the IC Champion is now out of action because of an injury, there’s the possibility that Y2J may have to look to a different opponent for The Show of Shows in 2026. However, there is reportedly hope internally within WWE that Dom will return to in-ring action as soon as the Royal Rumble in January, opening the door to a possible clash with Y2J at ‘Mania.
What To Expect
With nine IC Title reigns to his name, Jericho set the record as the wrestler with the most reigns as Intercontinental Champion. In the coming year, Lionheart could look to best his own record and potentially attain his 10th reign with the Intercontinental Title.
