WrestleMania 42 took place on April 18 and April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Hosted by the legendary John Cena, the two-night spectacular, often referred to as "The Showcase of the Immortals," delivered a series of high-stakes matchups and monumental title changes. The event was headlined by Roman Reigns defeating CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship on Night 2, and Randy Orton overcoming Cody Rhodes for the WWE Championship on Night 1.

Event Overview and Quick Facts

  • Dates: April 18–19, 2026
  • Venue: Allegiant Stadium, Paradise, Nevada (Las Vegas area)
  • Host: John Cena
  • Attendance: Sold out capacity over two nights
  • Major Highlights: Roman Reigns wins World Heavyweight Championship; Randy Orton wins WWE Championship; Oba Femi defeats Brock Lesnar in a "passing of the torch" moment.

The 2026 iteration of WrestleMania marked the second consecutive year that Allegiant Stadium hosted the event, solidifying Las Vegas as a premier hub for sports entertainment. With a star-studded lineup and several "grudge matches" reaching their boiling points, the card was split into two distinct nights of action.

WrestleMania 42 Night 1: Full Results and Match Analysis

Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 set a high bar for the weekend, featuring seven matches that ranged from chaotic tag team encounters to technical masterpieces.

Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

The main event of Night 1 saw "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes defend his title against his former mentor, "The Viper" Randy Orton. The story leading into this match focused on Orton's quest for his 15th world title and the dissolution of their long-standing respect.

The match was a psychological battle. Orton utilized his veteran instincts, systematically targeting Rhodes' previously injured shoulder. Rhodes responded with his trademark resilience, landing multiple Disaster Kicks and Bionic Elbows. The climax occurred when Rhodes attempted a third consecutive Cross Rhodes; however, Orton countered mid-air into a devastating RKO. In a shocking turn of events, Orton pinned Rhodes clean in the center of the ring to become the new WWE Champion.

Result: Randy Orton defeated Cody Rhodes (c) to win the WWE Championship.

Women's World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

Stephanie Vaquer entered her first WrestleMania as champion, facing the perennial fan favorite Liv Morgan. The match showcased Vaquer's hard-hitting international style against Morgan’s "never say die" attitude. Despite Vaquer’s dominance with submission holds, Morgan found an opening after a missed moonsault by the champion. Morgan executed the ObLIVion to secure the pinfall and her second World Championship.

Result: Liv Morgan defeated Stephanie Vaquer (c) to win the Women's World Championship.

Women's Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

In a clash of two eras, AJ Lee defended her title against "The Man" Becky Lynch. This feud was built on the premise of who truly revolutionized the women’s division. The match featured several technical reversals between the Black Widow submission and the Dis-arm-her. Ultimately, AJ Lee retained her title by using a clever roll-up while Lynch was distracted by the referee's positioning.

Result: AJ Lee (c) defeated Becky Lynch to retain the Women’s Intercontinental Championship.

Gunther vs. Seth "Freakin" Rollins

This grudge match was widely considered the "workhorse" match of the night. Gunther brought his brutal chopping style, while Rollins utilized his agility and high-flying maneuvers. The intensity peaked when Rollins landed a Phoenix Splash for a near-fall. However, the sheer power of the "Ring General" proved too much. Gunther finished the match with a massive powerbomb followed by a lariat.

Result: Gunther defeated Seth Rollins.

Additional Night 1 Results

  • Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre: In a battle of behemoths, Fatu utilized his agility and the help of the Bloodline to overcome the "Scottish Warrior."
  • The Vision (Logan Paul, Austin Theory) & IShowSpeed def. The Usos & LA Knight: A high-profile celebrity match that saw IShowSpeed involve himself in a chaotic finish, allowing Logan Paul to hit the Frog Splash for the win.
  • Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way: Irresistible Forces (c) defeated The Bella Twins, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria to retain their titles.

WrestleMania 42 Night 2: Full Results and Match Analysis

Night 2 continued the momentum with a focus on championships and career-defining moments. The atmosphere in Allegiant Stadium reached a fever pitch as the "Tribal Chief" looked to reclaim his throne.

World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns

The Night 2 main event featured 2026 Royal Rumble winner Roman Reigns challenging the World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk. The match was presented by Riyadh Season and began with a tense standoff. Punk, known for his mental games, slapped Reigns across the face in the opening minutes.

The action spilled outside the ring early. Punk attempted a signature elbow drop onto Reigns through the announce table, but Reigns countered, tying Punk into the top ropes and delivering a series of Superman Punches. The brutality escalated when Reigns used the steel ring steps as a weapon. Despite Punk’s attempts to rally with a GTS (Go to Sleep), Reigns' power was undeniable. Reigns executed a final, ring-shaking Spear to pin Punk and claim the World Heavyweight Championship.

Result: Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk (c) to win the World Heavyweight Championship.

The Passing of the Torch: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar

Perhaps the most talked-about match of the weekend involved the dominant newcomer Oba Femi and "The Beast Incarnate" Brock Lesnar. From the entrances, it was clear this was a battle of two generations of monsters. Lesnar initially overpowered Femi with several German Suplexes and an early F-5.

However, Femi showcased unprecedented strength, kicking out of the F-5 at a count of one. Femi regained control outside the ring, slamming Lesnar into the barricades. Back inside, Femi hit a devastating chokeslam followed by his signature "Fall from Grace." The victory was clean, signaling a new era in WWE. In a poignant moment after the match, an emotional Brock Lesnar removed his gloves and boots, leaving them in the ring—a traditional sign of retirement—before embracing Paul Heyman.

Result: Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar.

WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

This match featured two of the most physically imposing women in the industry. Cargill, presented by Minute Maid, looked to continue her undefeated streak as champion. The match was a stalemate of power moves until external interference began. Michin and B-Fab attempted to distract Ripley, but IShowSpeed and IYO SKY intervened to neutralize the threat. Ripley eventually countered Cargill’s "Jaded" into a Riptide to secure the victory and the title.

Result: Rhea Ripley defeated Jade Cargill (c) to win the WWE Women's Championship.

United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams

Trick Williams made a spectacular WrestleMania entrance, accompanied by rap star Lil Yachty. The match was a fast-paced encounter where Zayn’s technical prowess met Williams’ athleticism. Zayn nearly secured the win with a Blue Thunder Bomb and a Brainbuster on the apron. However, Yachty provided a crucial distraction, allowing Williams to land the "Trick Shot" knee strike for the three-count.

Result: Trick Williams defeated Sami Zayn (c) to win the United States Championship.

Additional Night 2 Results

  • Intercontinental Championship Six-Pack Ladder Match: Penta (c) retained his title in a chaotic match featuring Rey Mysterio, Je’Von Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, and Rusev. The match included several high-risk spots, most notably Penta delivering a Mexican Destroyer to McDonagh on top of a ladder.
  • "The Demon" Finn Bálor def. Dominik Mysterio (Street Fight): Bálor resurrected his "Demon" persona to settle his long-standing feud with Dominik. The match featured kendo sticks, steel chairs, and tables. The Demon finished the match with a Coup de Grace through a table.

Key Takeaways and Event Analysis

WrestleMania 42 will be remembered for its strategic shifting of the WWE landscape. Several key themes emerged from the two-day event in Las Vegas.

The Host with the Most: John Cena

John Cena’s role as host was more than just ceremonial. He appeared in multiple segments, mediating disputes and even getting physical during the Night 1 tag team match. Cena's presence added a layer of nostalgia and "Big Event" feel to the weekend.

The Rise of Oba Femi

Defeating Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania is a feat accomplished by very few. By not only winning but causing the "Beast" to retire, Oba Femi has been positioned as the premier powerhouse in the company. His performance was characterized by composure and raw strength, suggesting a long championship reign in his future.

The Redemption of Roman Reigns

After losing his dominant grip on the title in previous years, Roman Reigns’ victory over CM Punk served as a redemption arc. The "Tribal Chief" persona evolved during this match, showing a more ruthless and focused side that had been missing in recent months.

The Cultural Impact of Guest Appearances

The inclusion of Joe Jonas performing the national anthem, Lin-Manuel Miranda opening Night 1, and Lil Yachty accompanying Trick Williams highlighted WWE's continued effort to bridge the gap between sports entertainment and mainstream pop culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who hosted WrestleMania 42?

The event was hosted by 16-time World Champion John Cena.

Where did WrestleMania 42 take place?

The event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, near the Las Vegas Strip.

What was the main event of Night 2?

The main event of Night 2 was a World Heavyweight Championship match where Roman Reigns defeated CM Punk.

Did any wrestlers retire at WrestleMania 42?

Based on the post-match ceremony where he left his boots and gloves in the ring, Brock Lesnar effectively announced his retirement following his loss to Oba Femi.

Who won the ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship?

Penta retained his Intercontinental Championship by defeating five other competitors in a Six-Pack Ladder Match.

Who performed at the event?

Joe Jonas performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" to open Night 2, and Lin-Manuel Miranda performed for the cold open of Night 1. Lil Yachty also appeared during Trick Williams' entrance.

Summary of Results

WrestleMania 42 successfully blended veteran star power with the elevation of new talent. The title changes for the WWE Championship (Randy Orton), World Heavyweight Championship (Roman Reigns), Women's World Championship (Liv Morgan), and United States Championship (Trick Williams) ensure that the landscape of WWE will look significantly different heading into the remainder of 2026. The retirement of Brock Lesnar marks the end of an era, while the dominance of stars like Oba Femi and Rhea Ripley suggests the future of the company is in capable hands.