Tag: wrestlemania 42

Mark Shapiro concedes WrestleMania in Las Vegas may have been a ‘mistake’

Posted on by Vincent Verhei

WWE ran WrestleMania in Las Vegas in both 2025 and 2026, and it didn’t work. The poor ticket sales this year even became part of the on-screen storylines. And TKO President Mark Shapiro has conceded that running the same city in back-to-back years was a bad idea.

Shapiro sat down with Brian Sozzi of Yahoo! Finance for an interview that was recorded before Mania but was released on Monday. At the time, he took responsibility for moving WrestleMania 42 from its originally scheduled site of New Orleans to Vegas.

“Maybe it’s a mistake I made,” Shapiro said, “because Vegas was so huge last year and such a winner for our fans and the product that I said to Nick Khan, ‘We’ve gotta go back to Vegas next year. We have to move New Orleans down the road and we got to come back to Vegas.’”

Still, Shapiro was not apologizing for the move.

“Absolutely no regrets on going back [to Vegas],” he said, “but the only reason you’re hearing some of the, ‘Hey it’s not what it was last year,’ it’s because we’re not benefiting from the first mover experience.”

Five absent WWE stars who need big comeback storylines | Opinion

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

WWE’s uncertain atmosphere amid recent talent releases and prominent absences has led to questions on their wrestling future. 

WrestleMania 42 took place nearly a month ago and Backlash has already come and gone. Still, many talents have still not resurfaced on WWE TV. 

Here’s a few noticeably absent WWE stars whose returns must outshine their last matches and appearances on TV. 

Randy Orton 

He was heavily anticipated to defeat Cody Rhodes and win his 15th WWE World title at WrestleMania 42. Despite Pat McAfee’s involvement, that didn’t happen. Since then, Orton has not made any televised or public appearances, raising the question on what’s next for the WWE veteran. 

Prior to WrestleMania, Dave Meltzer had reported that Orton was hurting, dealing with undisclosed physical health issues. McAfee’s involvement was to also set up a tag team match with Orton against Rhodes and Jelly Roll at Backlash that never came to be.

There is no update or confirmation on Orton’s return timeline, but whenever it does happen, WWE needs to ensure he accomplishes his long-term goal of a World title.

Drew McIntyre 

Jacob Fatu has already moved on from Drew McIntyre after their WrestleMania collision to focusing on the bigger picture and Roman Reigns’ World Heavyweight title.

Reports indicate that McIntyre’s WWE TV absence is to wrap up filming Highlander, a reboot of the1986 movie, also featuring Henry Cavill. 

McIntyre could continue his callous attitude, unfazed by WWE authority on his return. Pitting him against Rhodes for the WWE Championship again would be monotonous as he needs to assert territorial dominance and could ideally challenge relatively new talent on the SmackDown roster like Trick Williams or another heavy hitter like Ilja Dragunov.

LA Knight

Knight has had a complex WWE run over the past couple of years.

He competed in a six-man tag team match at WrestleMania. Prior to the event, he addressed a bursa flare up that was keeping him away from in-ring action of any kind. While this might explain his ongoing absence, there is always going to be concerns about his WWE future given the current environment.

Knight’s return to WWE should be fueled to win the World Heavyweight Title or Money in the Bank which didn’t happen last year. Either way, he needs a defining run to remind fans and WWE management why he is one of the company’s most organically popular stars today. 

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria

The tag team squared off against Judgment Day on the Raw after Mania but have not made any appearances since.

Bayley’s unfortunate luck in capturing the Women’s Tag Team Titles has been looming since WrestleMania last year, but her partnership with Valkyria still has much potential. 

WWE must ensure their alliance is intact while also keeping both women relevant in the women’s division. This would help their positioning as a babyface tag team and possibly develop Valkyria as a singles competitor under Bayley’s mentorship.

Kevin Nash says WrestleMania weekend felt ‘soulless’

Posted on by Jake Skudder

WWE and WCW legend Kevin Nash recently addressed WrestleMania weekend and how he feels the product is being run by TKO. Speaking on his Kliq This podcast, the nWo founding member was hardly glowing when it came to his assessment of the biggest weekend in the company’s calendar.

“I’m so detached from the product and everything else. To me, the whole weekend, maybe because I was running on fumes, but it felt kind of soulless,” the former WWF Champion stated.

“I’m not stupid or naive. I understand that the bottom line has meant that it’s a business. Once it left Vince’s hands, no matter if you love Vince or don’t love Vince, from the boy’s standpoint, if you had a relationship with Vince and you were a guy that pushed those numbers, a (Shawn) Michaels, a Triple H, a Steve (Austin), a Taker, if you pushed those numbers, you had a relationship that was gold” Nash would add.

“Now, I don’t think they [TKO] look at Steve and Taker the same way. I’m talking about TKO, or as we now refer to it, The Adjustment Bureau; they just don’t show the appreciation. It’s almost kind of like having a President that has no experience in warfare. [They] just don’t get it.”

Credit to Fightful for the transcription

FAQ and Context

What is Kliq This?

Kliq This is Nash’s podcast, where he covers wrestling news and reflects on his career alongside guests from across the industry.

Why is Kevin Nash criticising TKO?

Nash’s argument is that TKO treats wrestling as pure business, where the McMahon era operated on personal relationships with talent who’d pushed numbers: an Austin, an Undertaker, a Shawn Michaels. His “Adjustment Bureau” line is a swipe at how he sees TKO handling legacy talent now that Vince McMahon is no longer involved in creative.

Did other legends share similar criticism of WrestleMania 42?

Veteran takes on TKO’s handling of WWE have been mixed across podcasts, but Nash’s “soulless” framing is among the more pointed assessments of WrestleMania 42 weekend. Whether other legends echo the sentiment publicly tends to depend on their current relationship with the company.

Nick Khan acknowledges challenge of consecutive WrestleManias in same city

Posted on by Josh Nason

Even though it was his home city, WWE president Nick Khan appears to have come around to realizing holding WrestleMania in Las Vegas in consecutive years was a bigger challenge than expected.

Revealed in audio obtained by Post Wrestling, Khan addressed the issue during a company town hall Monday, saying the decision to host WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium a year after holding WrestleMania 41 there “was ultimately my decision.”

“Maybe we don’t do that one again in terms of back-to-back, but ultimately it ended up being a successful event,” Khan said.

While WWE has yet to reveal their revenue for the weekend, it’s assumed that even with lower ticket sales for both nights, it was their biggest total financial windfall in company history.

New Orleans was originally slated to host WrestleMania 42, but the decision was changed. WWE will receive around $10 million alone in site fees and tax credits for bringing the event back in addition to ticket and sponsorship revenue.

While WrestleMania 43 has been announced for Saudi Arabia for the first time, Khan told those on the call, “Wait until you hear the announcement on where we’re going to be for WrestleMania in 2028.”

Wrestling fan missing following WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend

Posted on by Shounak Chakrabarti

A wrestling fan from the UK is missing after the WWE WrestleMania 42 weekend in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Wrestling fan Marc Izard has been reported missing following WrestleMania 42 weekend. Izard hails from the UK and was visiting Las Vegas for WWE’s WrestleMania 42 weekend. A missing person alert has been shared regarding Izard’s whereabouts.

It was soon reshared by WWE veteran Nattie, aka Natalya Neidhart. The former champion shared more details on Izard’s last known sighting on April 17, 2026, as well as the photo he took with Nattie at her signing on April 16.

“A member of our wrestling family, Marc Izard, is currently missing after WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. His last known sighting was leaving the arena after SmackDown on April 17, his last photo taken was with me at my signing. Marc traveled from the UK and has not made it home or been in contact since. If you have any information at all, please reach out to the email listed in the poster as well as [Las Vegas Metro Police Department].”

“Let’s come together and help bring Marc home safely,” she finished.

Izard was reportedly last seen on the April 17 edition of WWE SmackDown, leaving the T-Mobile Arena using his walking stick.

Fans have been requested to share any updates or information on the email provided in the missing person alert: [email protected]

WOL: What does ‘old school’ mean anyway?

Posted on by Jim Valley

It’s the Saturday Wrestling Observer Live with Jim Valley.

One commenter called the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton main event at WWE WrestleMania 42 “old school” because of its deliberate pace and lack of variation during the match.

But is that accurate and what does that person mean by “old school” in this case? Is that how this person thinks they wrestled during the territories? During the PG Era? We’ll talk about what’s “old school” and if it’s just relative to when you started watching.

Plus, my thoughts on WrestleMania, Sid’s family and more.

Check it out.

Click here to listen (sub needed)

WOR: WWE cuts, WrestleMania 42 fallout & news

Posted on by Garrett Gonzales

Dave Meltzer and I are back on Wrestling Observer Radio discussing the major stories from today’s issue of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

We talked about:

  • The WWE cuts which were happening while we were recording
  • WrestleMania 42 fallout
  • TKO’s creative control
  • The Ali Act hearing
  • Wrestling prodigies

Click here to listen (subscription required) or watch on YouTube

Wrestling Weekly: WrestleMania fallout, Oba Femi’s immediate future, tremendous AEW title match

Posted on by Victor Sosa

With WWE WrestleMania 42 in the books, the Wrestling Weekly team of Les Thatcher and Vic Sosa look at some of the highlights but with an emphasis on the future of Oba Femi.

In addition, we got one of the best AEW World title matches that has aired on Dynamite, and a match that…well, wasn’t the best.

Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!

Click here to listen (sub needed)

AJ Styles comes forward with more fan incidents from WWE WrestleMania weekend 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

AJ Styles shared his experience with fans amid hotel security concerns during WWE WrestleMania weekend. 

Styles discussed the numerous fan incidents with WWE stars during WrestleMania weekend on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast. He explained that many people assume wrestlers are not exhausted after meet-and-greet events, but in reality they can be physically and mentally draining. 

“Well, there you know, here’s the thing that fans got to accept. Even though, just because we’re walking through the hotel to get to our room, we’re not even hanging out. We’re just trying to get to our room. We have been at signings all day and you get kind of exhausted because we’re trying to be in a good mood for you at that point. Especially for people who paid to see it. We want to make sure you get your money’s worth. And it’s a little exhausting. I know you’re like, ‘Well, what are you gonna do? All you do is stand there.’ But we’re doing it for a couple hours,” said Styles. 

Styles stated how a person hounded him for a photo despite refusing the request since he was with his family. 

“I don’t think anybody was impolite to a degree. For instance, I’m not taking pictures because once I start, I’ll never stop. So if I have my family with me, I can’t do that. I said, ‘Hey, I’m not taking pictures right now. I’m sorry.’ And they just swarmed me like bees. Even this one guy, even though I told him no pictures, he was walking and laying on me and stuff like that. I’m like, ‘Whoa! Whoa!’ And finally, security was able to find me and take me to the elevator.”

“I understand that they think they know the superstars because they’ve watched them for so long, but at the same time, you’ve got to remember that they’re real people. It can get overwhelming when that many people swarm you like that. I get it. No means no with pictures and whatnot. If they ask you not to, chill out.“ 

Following the event, there has been a surge in stories and clips shared by WWE talents and fans alike highlighting hotel security concerns. 

Styles was in Las Vegas to be honored as a WWE Hall of Fame inductee on April 17. He officially retired from in-ring competition and competed in his last match at the Royal Rumble this year. 

Jim Ross backs Oba Femi to headline WWE WrestleMania 43 over Bron Breakker

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Bron Breakker was perceived as a WWE WrestleMania headliner after his official transition to Raw in 2024. This year, Oba Femi changed the dynamics with his main roster debut which quickly escalated into a feud with Brock Lesnar at his first WrestleMania. 

On the latest edition of Grilling JR Podcast, Jim Ross discussed Femi being a part of the World Championship picture at WrestleMania 43. He highlighted that his current positioning is impressive and if done right he could also headline the event. Out of Logan Paul, Breakker and Femi, Ross selected the latter to capture the title first. 

“He’s (Oba Femi) got a better shot at it than anybody you and I can probably name right now, because he beat the monster. And he’s unique. His look is unique. He’s very impressive in that regard. Oba Femi being the champion at next year’s WrestleMania is going to be dependent upon how fast the company can build total confidence in his ability. He’s got to stay reliable. He’s got to work on his game. He ain’t ready. But you got to run with a guy if you’re making that kind of commitment. And the first commitment they’ve made with him is him beating Brock Lesnar. It’s very possible. I can’t name you anyone currently on the roster that has an extremely better chance of being the champion at WrestleMania next year than Oba right now. He’d be my slight favorite in the horse race.”

Ross cited Paul to be the ‘best worker’ out of the group, and remarked on how wrestling is in Breakker’s DNA, automatically making him a powerful contender. 

“The best worker of the group is the Paul kid. He’s the best talent bell to bell. Putting a match together. He’s still going to be perceived as somewhat one dimensional, because the son of a b*tch looks like a Greek god and people draw their assumptions on his physique rather than his fundamental soundness. Breakker is a, I love his game because he’s a legitimate tough athlete that has the pro wrestling DNA flowing through his veins. If I had to make a pick, Oba is going to be one, and maybe Breakker will be one A. But you damn sure don’t want to pass over on Steiner’s kid.”

Femi and Breakker competed on NXT before making their main roster moves. Meanwhile, Paul’s path differed, he was involved in a couple of feuds with Sami Zayn and The Miz before officially transitioning to a full-time WWE star. 

At WrestleMania 42, Femi defeated Brock Lesnar, strengthening his stance as ‘the next big thing’ in WWE. Following their match, Lesnar removed his gloves and boots signifying retirement. 

Breakker returned at the Premium Live Event after nearly two and a half months away to recover from hernia surgery. He speared Seth Rollins and cost him his match against Gunther at the PLE.

Former WWE referee addresses DQ oversight in WrestleMania 42 main event

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Retired WWE referee Mike Chioda responded to a tweet questioning Roman Reigns using steel steps as a weapon in the WrestleMania 42 main event.

There was no stipulation set for CM Punk and Reigns’ World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania Sunday. It was a singles match which meant a winner would be declared via pinfall, submission, countout or disqualification. Chioda stated it was a certain disqualification and questioned why referee Rod Zapata did not call it out.

“Yes it sure is a DQ. Don’t know why the referee didn’t protect himself while goin over it in rehearsals.”

Reigns weaponized the steel steps on Punk who was hanging upside down from the ropes. Zapata stood up to Reigns immediately after it happened but it did not bear any repercussions on the match’s outcome. However, during the bout Michael Cole exclaimed that given the stature of the WrestleMania 42 main event it is granted a leeway.

Reigns ended up winning the match to become the new World Champion. Following the error in the match, there is no confirmation on whether it will impact his future as titleholder.

On the Raw after Mania, Reigns celebrated his win with The Usos by his side, and laid out an invitation for a Bloodline reunion. They were interrupted by Jacob Fatu who cited his intention to challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash Tampa in May. Fatu didn’t just want what Reigns had but needed it. Reigns did not give a conclusive answer to the challenge but stated that he will give Fatu a week to ponder on his request.

Punk also appeared on Raw earlier discussing the loss and his mindset to overcome it. Cody Rhodes walked out and Punk suggested potentially going after for the Undisputed WWE Championship but did not give any specification on when.

Paige wants to make up for lost time in WWE: ‘Don’t think I’m going to be wrestling after this run’

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Paige aims to make up for lost time in her current WWE run, and hopes to compete in Royal Rumble and Elimination Chamber matches, and milestones in the women’s division she missed due to early retirement. 

Speaking with Stephanie McMahon on the What’s Your Story? Podcast Paige expressed that she returned with the mindset to participate in stipulation and marquee matches that did not exist for the women’s division in her WWE tenure earlier. She acknowledged that this current comeback could potentially be her final run in wrestling. 

“I came in this time with a mindset where I just want to be happy and have fun, because I don’t think I’m going to be wrestling after this run. I want to just enjoy my time that I have here, embrace absolutely everything, just enjoy the journey.”

“That’s all I care about. But I do want to finally be able to be in the Royal Rumble that I got to not be a part of and do the Elimination Chambers and do, you know, all these stipulation matches that were not around.”

“I had to be backstage in Gorilla when the Royal Rumble just started, and no one knew I was retired by that point, you know? And so I just sat there and I was just really sad. It was bittersweet. I was happy that the girls finally got this big match that we didn’t have before. But I was sad because I wasn’t a part of it, and I didn’t know if I was ever going to be a part of it again. And so to have this moment where I’m back in WWE, my neck is good, I’m wrestling again, and there’s opportunities for me to be a part of these stipulation matches. I mean, man, I’m really excited. I’m really excited for the next couple of years.” 

Paige returned at WrestleMania 42 nearly four years after her WWE exit. She replaced Nikki Bella to compete in the Women’s Tag Team Championship match which she and Brie Bella won. 

Paige was a part of the WWE women’s revolution in 2015. Two years later, she suffered a neck injury that forced her to retire from in-ring competition. At AEW Full Gear 2022, she faced Britt Baker for the first time in five years after being medically cleared. 

Daily Update: WrestleMania ESPN viewership, ROH Pure title, Big Damo

Posted on by Joseph Currier

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Wednesday Update

WWE

  • WWE uploaded the full Sol Ruca vs. Zaria Last Woman Standing match that headlined NXT last night.
  • NXT wrestler Brooks Jensen is set to challenge coach Steve Corino for the PWF Championship at the indie promotion’s event in Newport, North Carolina this Sunday.
  • Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported the viewership numbers for ESPN’s TV simulcasts of the first hours of WrestleMania 42:
    • Night one (ESPN2): 1.62 million viewers
    • Night two (ESPN): 1.82 million viewers
  • Joe Jonas, who sang the National Anthem at night two of WrestleMania, uploaded a vlog from the event.
  • Jelly Roll also has a vlog with some WrestleMania footage.
  • Rapper Cam’ron made an Instagram post issuing a SummerSlam challenge to Jey Uso and his entire family: 
    • All I can do is laugh at you @romanreigns staying for Monday Night Raw after WrestleMania is like eating thanksgiving leftovers on Monday after thxgvn The Rock would Never
    • But you’re @tripleh lil lil employee. You better do what he says
    • @uceyjucey bring ya whole family and let’s settle this in August at #SummerSlam
    • @rosenbergradio make it happen
  • Big E tweeted about meeting up with AEW’s Kevin Knight and TNA’s Leon Slater during WrestleMania weekend:
    • Ran into @Jet2Flyy & @LEONSLATER_ at the gym in Vegas a few days ago. Glad I got to tell those brothers what a joy it is to watch them do incredible things in this industry. Pro wrestling’s youth movement is a beauty to behold.
  • The Wrestling Classic interviewed Alba Fyre.

Other Wrestling

John Cena & Danhausen WWE WrestleMania 42 segment ‘evolved into something bigger’ 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

A member of Danhausen’s WWE WrestleMania group disclosed plans on how the segment came about. He detailed The Miz approaching them backstage with ideas to hype the comedic moment. 

In an interview with Rewind Recap Relive, Richard Fitzwell of MicroMania Midget Wrestling cited the initial plans for the Danhausen segment evolved as they ran through rehearsals. He cited that The Miz came up with the idea of the little people carrying him out of the ring after Danhausen’s attack, and did a trial run in the dressing room.

“It was phenomenal. It was supposed to be something simple, just walk out with him down the ramp and it evolved into something bigger.”

“We had The Miz come to our dressing room, he asked us if we could pick him up. He started that. Backstage, we lifted him up and he said, ‘Alright, I’m gonna go to production and see if we can add it to the skit.’ Then we went to rehearsal, John Cena was sidestage, Danhausen asked John Cena to be part of the production.”

“Then they asked if we would come into the ring and then one of the gentlemen gets pushed, and then one of our other guys punched Kit in the lower area, then we pummel him. Then, again, we go to Miz and carry him out.”

“So that was all built out, evolved, like I said – it was simple and then it evolved into something big. And to have John Cena out there, plus The Miz, and Danhausen, that’s like a dream come true.”

Fitzwell appreciated Cena and Triple H commending their work after the segment. He added that Triple H looked forward to their return for another collaboration in the company. 

“And then after the fact, John Cena and Triple H came to us and said, ‘What a great job and we would love to have you back in the future.'”

Later, Cena cited the Danhausen segment as one of his favorite moments from WWE WrestleMania 42.

Cody Rhodes shares update on WWE WrestleMania 42 eye injury 

Posted on by Rosanne Raphael

Cody Rhodes left WWE WrestleMania 42 with his left eye swollen and almost shut following his match with Randy Orton. 

As reported by our own Dave Meltzer, Rhodes was placed in concussion protocol as a precautionary measure, with evaluations yet to be completed. There was no orbital bone fracture, the seriousness of which could have led to him being sidelined. 

Rhodes shared an update on Instagram Stories that doctors informed him he ‘won’t lose the eye’. 

‘“You won’t lose the eye…’ has to be the most positive yet absurd thing I’ve ever heard in a doctors office,” posted Rhodes.

The main event at Night One of WrestleMania 42 saw both men bloodied by the end of it. After the match, Orton delivered a Punt Kick to Rhodes out of frustration for not winning the WWE Championship. 

Rhodes appeared on the Raw after Mania with a bruised eye. He confronted CM Punk who was in an unusually upbeat mood after losing the World Heavyweight Championship to Roman Reigns the night before. And his mood was contradictory to what Rhodes was expecting from him. 

The segment concluded with Punk stating ‘you never know when a championship opportunity is just gonna fall out of the sky’ and looked down at Rhodes’ Undisputed WWE Title. As he made his exit, Rhodes responded ‘just say when’.