What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas: A WrestleMania 42 retrospective

By DUJUAN ETHERIDGE 

In a city built on excess, WrestleMania 42 somehow managed to outshine the Strip itself. Across two nights, WWE didn’t just present a premium live event — it delivered a layered, chaotic, star-driven showcase that blurred eras, elevated new faces, and reminded everyone why WrestleMania still sets the industry standard. 

With John Cena serving as host—bringing charisma, humor, and just enough nostalgia — the weekend felt cohesive even as it leaned into unpredictability. 

Night one: Returns, statements and controlled chaos 

The combination of The Usos and LA Knight against The Vision and IShowSpeed set the tone early — fast, loud and unapologetically crowd-driven. 

LA Knight once again proved he’s operating on a different level of connection. At the same time, The Usos reminded everyone why their chemistry still defines tag team excellence. The match wasn’t about technical mastery—it was about rhythm, and it never lost its beat. 

Results: The USOs and LA Knight knocked off The Vision and IShowSpeed. 

Power collision: Fatu vs. McIntyre 

When Jacob Fatu met Drew McIntyre, the tone shifted immediately. 

This was brute force wrestling. McIntyre’s calculated aggression collided with Fatu’s raw intensity, creating a match that felt less like choreography and more like survival. It was physical storytelling at its best — simple, effective, and memorable. 

Results: Jacob defeated McIntrye in a classic between two gladiators. 

A return that changed the match 

The Women’s Fatal Four-Way Tag Title match took an unexpected turn with the return of Paige, replacing Nikki Bella. 

Paige didn’t just return — she altered the energy of the entire match. What could have been a standard multi-team showcase became a moment. The division, often questioned for consistency, felt alive here — unpredictable, urgent, and worth investing in. 

Results: Paige and Brie Bella are the new Tag Team champions. 

AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch: A Women’s Intercontinental Championship with Meaning 

AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch wasn’t just a dream match — it was a statement. For the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, no less. 

AJ’s return carried intrigue, but Becky grounded the match with her signature intensity. The result was a contest that balanced nostalgia with legitimacy, proving that this wasn’t about looking back — it was about redefining what a women’s title match can represent. 

Results: Becky Lynch wins the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship. 

Women’s world title: Evolution on display 

Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer showcased a different kind of storytelling. 

Morgan’s emotional growth as a performer met Vaquer’s international, hard-hitting style. It felt fresh. Less polished, more unpredictable — and that unpredictability worked in its favor. 

Results: Liv Morgan defeated La Primera. 

Rollins vs. Gunther: Interrupted by the future 

Seth Rollins versus Gunther was exactly what it needed to be: precise, punishing and technically sharp. However, the defining moment came with Bron Breakker’s return. 

His involvement didn’t just disrupt the match; it signaled a shift. The next wave isn’t waiting anymore. 

Results: The Ring General defeated The Visionary in a classic battle between two of the best in the business. 

Night one main event: Legacy meets reality 

Cody Rhodes, defending the title against Randy Orton, with involvement from Pat McAfee and Jelly Roll, had all the ingredients of a match falling apart. 

Instead, it worked. 

Orton brought veteran precision. Rhodes brought emotional investment. The outside chaos added spectacle without completely overshadowing the match. It wasn’t perfect — but it was compelling, and that’s what WrestleMania main events demand. 

Results: Cody became the teacher against “The Viper.” 

Night two: Chaos, creativity and championship stakes 

Clash of Forces: Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar 

Oba Femi versus Brock Lesnar felt like a generational test. 

Lesnar’s dominance met Femi’s rising presence in a match built on intensity. It was short, explosive and effective — exactly what it needed to be. 

Results: Femi slayed Lesnar in a matter of 5 minutes. 

Ladder Match mayhem 

The Intercontinental Championship ladder match featuring Penta, Rey Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Jevon Evans, Dragon Lee and Rusev delivered exactly what chaos should look like. 

Featuring high-risk spots, fast transitions, and just enough structure to keep it meaningful — it was the kind of match that defines mid-card championships at WrestleMania. 

Results: Penta retains The International Championship. 

Trick Williams brings the spotlight 

With Lil Yachty in his corner, Trick Williams faced Sami Zayn for the United States Championship. 

Zayn brought credibility. Trick brought the moment. And somewhere in between, a new level of star power emerged. 

Results: Trick hit the ‘Whoop That Trick’ on Sami, becoming the United States Champion. 

Balor vs. Dominik: Character over everything 

Finn Balor as the ‘Demon King’ against Dominik ‘Dirty Dom’ Mysterio leaned heavily into character — and that’s exactly why it worked. 

It wasn’t about realism. It was about identity, presentation and storytelling. 

Results: The Demon King reigns supreme over Dirty Dom. 

Women’s championship: Power vs. presence 

Jade Cargill vs. Rhea Ripley felt like a collision of forces. 

Both competitors brought presence, physicality, and star power. It wasn’t just a match — it was a statement about what the division looks like at its highest level. 

Results: Ripley defeated Cargill courtesy of The Riptide. 

The unexpected: Danhausen strikes 

In true WrestleMania fashion, unpredictability took center stage as Danhausen cursed Kit Wilson and The Miz — a moment that blended humor, character work and the kind of absurdity only wrestling can pull off. 

Night Two main event: Best in the World vs. The OTC 

The final match of the weekend saw CM Punk face Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. 

This match wasn’t just a competition; it was a collision of ideologies. 

Punk, the self-proclaimed “Best in the World,” brought defiance. Reigns, the “OTC,” brought dominance. The crowd didn’t just watch; they chose sides. 

And that’s what made it unforgettable. 

Results: Roman Defeated CM Punk via pinfall. 

Final bell 

WrestleMania 42 didn’t try to be perfect. It tried to be everything — and somehow, that worked. 

Across two nights, WWE delivered: 

1. Returns that mattered 

2. New stars that stepped up 

3. Matches that balanced chaos with storytelling 

In Las Vegas, where illusion often overshadows substance, WWE’s WrestleMania 42 delivered both. 

And in doing so, it reminded everyone of one simple truth: WrestleMania isn’t just the biggest show of the year. It’s still the one that defines it. 

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DuJuan Etheridge is a longtime wrestling fan and sports columnist. 

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