On the February 23rd episode of RAW, Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman drew attention to Lesnar’s prime position at WrestleMania 42, marking his return after a three-year absence. Heyman highlighted how Lesnar has taken over the prestigious WrestleMania main event slot once held by The Undertaker, following Lesnar ending The Undertaker’s legendary undefeated streak in 2014. Lesnar and Heyman announced an open challenge for WrestleMania, offering any contender the chance to face the former UFC Heavyweight Champion in the biggest match of the year.
Oba Femi Emerges as the Leading Contender for Lesnar’s WrestleMania Match
Reports from the Wrestling Observer suggest that Oba Femi is the most likely wrestler to accept Brock Lesnar’s open challenge. Femi has been actively engaging with other wrestlers’ challenges, recently answering calls from Rusev and Johnny Gargano, the latter of whom he defeated decisively during SmackDown. The groundwork for a Lesnar-Femi rivalry was laid during the 2026 Men’s Royal Rumble, when Lesnar, nicknamed The Beast, eliminated The Ruler, indicating brewing tensions that may culminate at WrestleMania 42.
Leading up to the event, Lesnar is scheduled to make appearances across multiple RAW shows in major cities including San Antonio on March 16, Boston on March 23, New York City on March 30, Houston on April 6, and Sacramento on April 13, keeping anticipation high among fans and wrestlers alike.
Inside the Backstage Drama: Brock Lesnar’s Confrontation with Matt Riddle
In a revealing interview with R3 Interviews, Matt Riddle recounted a tense backstage encounter with Brock Lesnar at the 2020 Royal Rumble. After years of publicly challenging Lesnar with claims that he would retire The Beast, Riddle finally came face-to-face with Lesnar in an arena hallway. According to Riddle, Lesnar grabbed him by the neck—not as an act of violence but to get his attention—and warned firmly:
“Keep my name out of your mouth.”
?Matt Riddle, WWE Wrestler
Riddle managed to calm the situation by explaining his words were meant to build hype rather than provoke actual conflict. However, he quickly learned how fast backstage conversations can become public. After the incident, Riddle immediately told Kevin Owens what had happened, and within minutes, the story was circulating widely on wrestling news platforms. Riddle humorously remarked:
“that guy just loves to spill beans.”
?Matt Riddle, WWE Wrestler
What Lies Ahead for Brock Lesnar and WrestleMania Fans
With Brock Lesnar’s open challenge stirring excitement and Oba Femi positioning himself as a serious threat, WrestleMania 42 promises a high-stakes showdown that could define the next chapter of WWE history. Lesnar’s multiple appearances on RAW across major cities ensure his growing presence will remain in the spotlight as the event approaches. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, past tensions like those involving Matt Riddle highlight the intensity and unpredictability that surround WWE stars both inside and outside the ring.
As WrestleMania 42 draws nearer, fans will be watching closely to see if Oba Femi will claim the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar, potentially reshaping the landscape of the WWE and adding a new dimension to the Mythic matches that define WrestleMania’s legacy.
