WWE‘s WrestleMania 42 plans update reveals that the company has finalized almost its entire main card for this year’s event, with several top stars expected to take center stage. The Rock, despite swirling rumors, is reportedly not scheduled to wrestle at the 2025 show, although other major talents remain in the spotlight.
Big Names Already Set for WWE’s Biggest Show of the Year
The Triple H-led creative team is preparing to deliver what many anticipate could be the largest WrestleMania in history. Confirmed names in the conversation for high-profile matches include CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, and Paul Heyman. Drew McIntyre, having recently defeated Cody Rhodes to become the Undisputed WWE Champion, is expected to headline one of WrestleMania 42’s nights, assuming he retains his title leading up to the event.
Recent internal reports indicate that McIntyre’s victory marked a strategic change in creative direction. WWE’s decision to feature him so prominently is seen as an intentional shift, aiming to inject new energy into the show’s narrative. According to information sourced by BodySlam, the company has mapped out most of its marquee matchups, provided there are no last-minute injuries or unexpected developments.
The top portion of WrestleMania 42’s card is nearly finalized, pointing toward a clear creative vision in this crucial period ahead of the event.
Drew McIntyre’s Championship Win Brings New Focus
Drew McIntyre’s defeat of Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship was a pivotal moment on a recent episode of SmackDown. Sources suggest this move was designed to give this year’s WrestleMania a fresh dynamic, placing McIntyre at the forefront of at least one headline match. With Cody Rhodes previously positioned as a central figure, this change could signal a broader rethinking of WWE’s top storylines for the show.
With these new developments, expectations are high regarding how the creative team, led by Triple H, will utilize other key figures such as Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar, and Roman Reigns as the Grandest Stage of Them All draws near.
The Rock’s Status: Not Wrestling at WrestleMania 42
The Rock, known as The Final Boss, made his most recent appearance at the 2025 Elimination Chamber, where he allied with John Cena in an attack against Cody Rhodes. Many fans speculated that this would ignite a feud with Rhodes culminating at WrestleMania 42. However, The Rock has not appeared on television since that event, fueling uncertainty about his involvement.
According to Andrew Baydala, The Rock will not be competing at this year’s signature event, despite persistent speculation. As Baydala explained,
“Before these ‘rumors’ get wild again- The Rock is NOT wrestling at this year’s #WrestleMania. The ‘big offer’ under discussion is for next year’s Mania 43 in Saudi Arabia, and there appears to be hesitation about proceeding, given that The Rock knows it would most likely be his last match,”
Baydala wrote. – Andrew Baydala
The lingering question is whether The Rock’s next— and possibly last— in-ring outing will take place at WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia, as discussions for a major contract are reportedly ongoing.
Looking Ahead to the Show of Shows
With the main card largely established, including the apparent omission of The Rock this year, WWE’s attention now turns to fine-tuning its high-profile matches and fleshing out the broader event. The level of anticipation is heightened as Triple H’s creative direction brings new storylines and rivalries to the forefront, involving stars such as Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, CM Punk, and others.
The days leading up to WrestleMania 42 are poised to be closely watched by fans and insiders alike, as last-minute surprises, injuries, or creative shifts could still alter the landscape. For now, the spotlight is firmly on Drew McIntyre and WWE’s new vision for their biggest annual event.
