Jason Burgos
After being on the road to WrestleMania 42 since January’s Royal Rumble, the wait is finally over. This weekend brings wrestling fans the 2026 edition of WWE’s yearly extravaganza, and this year’s event features two strong nights of action in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.
The card for WrestleMania 42 Night 1 features several intriguing matchups, including a highly anticipated clash between Seth Rollins and Gunther, as well as a controversial main event that will see Cody Rhodes defend the WWE Undisputed Title against former close friend Randy Orton.
With that in mind, we offer up some bold predictions for Saturday’s WrestleMania card.
Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and iShowSpeed vs. The Usos and LA Knight
Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 will begin on ESPN 2 and feature a cross-over match as The Vision’s Logan Paul and Austin Theory team up with mega-popular YouTuber IShowSpeed against the Usos and LA Knight. When it comes to huge shows like this, WWE often wants to start things off on a fun and positive note. This match is totally set up to be fun and likely silly at points.
Don’t be surprised if we get a Danhausen appearance early in the show to continue the storyline with Speed after he cursed him a couple of weeks ago. In the end, the babyface trio of the Usos and Knight will get the win to get fans excited early.
Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
On Saturday night, the months-long feud between Becky Lynch and AJ Lee should come to an end. The two future Hall of Famers have been at odds since the fall. However, Lee has gotten the better of the Irish lass at every turn. Beating her in a tag match at WrestlePalooza, then taking her Intercontinental gold at Elimination Chamber in February.
That hot streak is going to end this weekend. While Lynch doesn’t need to get the IC title back, there is no way Lee is going to have complete ownership of the greatest female performer of all time. With the way WWE does balanced booking, the scale is overdue to flex back to Lynch.
Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
Another feud that will get a definitive conclusion at WrestleMania 42 is the bitter rivalry between Jacob Fatu and Drew McIntyre. The pair of monsters have torn into each other for weeks and could steal the show on Night 1 with their unsanctioned match.
But there is one thing for sure. Fatu will get the biggest W of his career on Saturday. Especially with McIntyre busy filming Highlander, he is sure to take the loss and some time off after this weekend.
Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way: Irresistible Forces (c) vs. Bella Twins vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
On Saturday night, the women’s tag team titles are on the line when the Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax and Lash Legend) battle the Bella Twins (if Nikki Bella is cleared to compete), Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss, and Bayley & Lyra Valkyria.
This one could go in a lot of different directions, and because WWE just loves the Bellas so much, it would not be surprising if they get their long-sought-after tag team title moment. But in the best interest of the division and Legend, the champs should retain and continue a dominant run as titlist. Furthermore, heels will win at WrestleMania, and this seems like a fitting match for it to happen in.
Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
One of the best builds to this year’s event is the rivalry between women’s Royal Rumble winner Liv Morgan and women’s world champion Stephanie Vaquer. Things have gotten heated, personal, and a couple of weeks ago, very physical as Vaquer accidentally(?) gave Morgan and Roxanne Perez concussions.
Morgan doesn’t need a win here, and giving Vaquer a big ‘Mania moment feels like a smart play because she can be a top star for years to come. However, a Morgan victory sets up some great storytelling and infighting with her Judgement Day sisters Perez and Raquel Rodriguez. For that reason, we predict a Morgan W.
Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
While it was added late on the road to WrestleMania 42, Rollins vs. Gunther has the potential to be the best match on either night and a Match of the Year contender. They are two of the best wrestlers on earth and should make magic in the ring.
The fact that Bron Breakker is reportedly looming in the distance and set to make his return soon makes it likely that Rollins gets a win and then has his celebration after the match, or on Monday’s Raw, ended by the man he brought into The Vision.
Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
The feud between Orton and Rhodes has been awkward at times and got even weirder with the random inclusion of former announcer and popular podcaster Pat McAfee. It has turned the match from being one about close friends going to war for gold to a battle over the future direction of the company.
McAfee’s addition to the storyline has been panned by fans and wrestlers. However, it is unlikely he will disappear after Saturday night. Furthermore, rumors that WWE is planning a tag match between Orton & McAfee against Rhodes & Jelly Roll at Backlash suggest “The Viper” will get world title win No. 15 this weekend.
