Following the recent Royal Rumble, WWE is setting the stage for WrestleMania 42, with major matches shaping up for the event in Las Vegas. The Royal Rumble results have influenced several key bookings, including the anticipated main event featuring Roman Reigns and CM Punk. The Royal Rumble WrestleMania predictions indicate a mix of title defenses, high-profile rivalries, and notable matchups expected to electrify fans at the biggest wrestling event of the year.
Expectations for the Women’s and Tag Team Championship Matches
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship has received significant attention this year, though some argue it has unintentionally weakened SmackDown’s women’s division. Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY, the current titleholders, are projected to defend their belts against two challenging teams: The Bellas, and the pair of Alexa Bliss with Charlotte Flair. On the men’s side, The Usos remain World Tag Team Champions and are expected to feature on the WrestleMania card. Despite a thin field of credible contenders, Bronson Reed and Logan Paul, collectively known as The Vision, are likely to continue their feud with Jimmy and Jey Uso, setting up a potential tag team clash.
Intercontinental Championship Battles Anticipated
Booking of the Women’s Intercontinental title has been more compelling compared to the United States title. Becky Lynch, a high-profile competitor, is slated to defend her belt against AJ Lee, a match that has been teased for months. On the men’s side, Dominik Mysterio’s reign with the Intercontinental Championship has lacked defenses, despite his RAW appearances. Given the upcoming Money in the Bank event scheduled for September, it is expected Mysterio will defend his title in a ladder match involving other top contenders such as Finn Balor, Penta, Je’Von Evans, and LA Knight.
Predicted Men’s Non-Title Matchups at WrestleMania 42
Several non-title matches are expected to highlight the men’s division at WrestleMania. Gunther, after decisively defeating Dragon Lee on RAW, is anticipated to continue his assault by targeting Rey Mysterio, who has a protege relationship with Lee. Seth Rollins is expected to return to face Bron Breakker, the antagonist behind recent attacks leading into this event. Additionally, Oba Femi is set for a showdown against Brock Lesnar, while Randy Orton, missing out on a previously scheduled match with Kevin Owens despite competing otherwise, is likely to face an opponent such as Trick Williams to secure a victory. Fans can also look forward to a match billed as El Grande Americano versus El Grande Americano, promising an intense contest.
Jade Cargill and Tiffany Stratton’s Standoff
Bianca Belair’s anticipated return before WrestleMania did not materialize after both the Royal Rumble and subsequent SmackDown episodes. With that absence, Tiffany Stratton is expected to emerge as the Elimination Chamber winner, setting her up as the challenger to Jade Cargill’s title at WrestleMania 42. This outcome would allow Belair to rejoin programming following the event, potentially igniting a fresh rivalry post-WrestleMania.
Undisputed WWE Championship Triple Threat: McIntyre, Rhodes, and Fatu
In recent years, it has become clear that Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns are fixtures in WrestleMania’s main event scene. Despite Drew McIntyre’s current reign as Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes continues to find a way into marquee matches. After McIntyre eliminated Rhodes during the Royal Rumble, Jacob Fatu remains determined to settle a score with McIntyre, potentially joining the title picture. Whether through the Elimination Chamber or interference, the triple threat match featuring Drew McIntyre, Cody Rhodes, and Jacob Fatu looks set to headline WrestleMania 42’s grandest stage.
The evolving storylines and rivalries headlining WrestleMania 42 highlight WWE’s strategic planning in response to Royal Rumble outcomes, promising an event marked by intense competition and high-stakes battles. Fans should anticipate a card featuring both established stars and emerging contenders, with titles on the line and personal vendettas reaching their apex in Las Vegas.
