Last month, Brock Lesnar issued an open challenge for WWE WrestleMania 42 with rumors running rampant afterward that Oba Femi will be the man to step up.
On tonight’s WWE Raw, it’s possible that we will finally learn who will answer the challenge as Lesnar is scheduled to appear.
Femi exploded onto the main roster scene at the Royal Rumble, not only marking his debut at the event but also entering at number one. He eliminated five men before his run came to an end at the hands of Lesnar who eliminated him.
But what if Femi isn’t the pick if WWE doesn’t want to defeat either he or Lesnar right now?
Given that, here’s a few other names to consider, some longer shots than others.
Gunther
As of late, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion has built his reputation and in-ring performance on being the “career killer.” After adding Goldberg, John Cena and AJ Styles to that list, it would be natural for him to target Lesnar next — another bold statement feat on his wrestling resume and one that would continue to solidify him as a ruthless heel in 2026.
They have never battled each other in singles competition despite it being teased nearly three years ago. Coincidentally, it was at the 2023 Royal Rumble where the two briefly collided in an intense exchange. Both Gunther and Lesnar have openly expressed interest in the blockbuster clash which has yet to come to fruition, but could at WrestleMania or perhaps SummerSlam if Lesnar does indeed retire in his native state of Minnesota.
Royce Keys
Keys was a dominant force in AEW for nearly six years as Powerhouse Hobbs before moving to WWE. He also made his WWE debut at the Royal Rumble this year. However, he has not made any appearances since then and has yet to make an impact. If Lesnar walks into WrestleMania 42 without knowing his opponent is, Keys could be an interesting one to answer the challenge.
Such a high-profile match could help sustain Keys’ momentum and establish him among the fanbase. Despite a potential loss in this once in a lifetime match against Lesnar, it could possibly be remembered as a career-defining moment and reveal his potential as a top star going forward.
Talla Tonga
The nearly seven foot giant has proven to be a formidable weapon for The MFTs on SmackDown. Towering over the other WWE stars, Tonga uses his size and agility with brutal strikes in the ring.
A potential match between he and Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 would be the ultimate battle of strength and supremacy. Both men possess overwhelming athleticism and power aligning with their physique which could set the stage for a first time ever encounter.
Tonga made his WWE debut at Night of Champions later year to assist Solo Sikoa in his United States Title match against Jacob Fatu. It not only established Tonga’s powerful presence but also an immense challenge for future heavyweights and anyone who dared oppose The MFTs.
Omos
While it would not be a full-fledged match, WWE could use the opportunity and capitalize on Omos’ return for WrestleMania.
Omos and Lesnar already share a history with their WrestleMania 39 showdown. The wrestling giant’s last televised match in WWE was in 2024 but since then, he has been somewhat active in dark matches in NXT and appearances in both Pro Wrestling NOAH and AAA.
His potential return at WrestleMania 42 to challenge a former rival could bode well in his re-establishment as a dominant force on the roster, even if it lasts for a few minutes.
Bron Breakker
Breakker’s meteoric rise to stardom on the main roster within a couple of years in addition to being dubbed ‘the next big thing’ would have made him the perfect rival for Lesnar. However, the uncertainty surrounding his hernia surgery recovery puts him at a disadvantage for being out of in-ring action for most of the first half of 2026.
In spite of reports on Lesnar’s WWE retirement some time this year, a bout between the two at some point is a must. It’s unlikely for WrestleMania, but would be a surprise if it happened.
Final Thoughts
Gunther would be an ideal fit to face Lesnar at WrestleMania 42. If he destroys Lesnar at WrestleMania, he could be further positioned as the prime heel in 2026, possibly joining the ranks of Roman Reigns as one of the defining villains of the decade.
As of this writing, Gunther has no feuds on his radar. And to avoid a failed boost that built momentum over the past few years, the opportunity should be seized by WWE to check off a blockbuster feud against Lesnar. Regardless of whoever would walk away with the win, the bout would leave a lasting impact and could leach to a rematch.
While Femi’s rising popularity is not to be forgotten, a push too soon for a WrestleMania clash combined with a premature loss on a stage of such grand magnitude could impact his ever-growing momentum.
Perhaps we’ll see what happens tonight.
