Latest update on Roman Reigns' plans for WWE WrestleMania 42
(Courtesy : WWE via Getty)
WWE has big plans for WrestleMania 2026.
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania is set to emanate live from the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will take place over two nights, April 18 (Saturday) and April 19 (Sunday), 2026.
A recent report has already suggested that the promotion plans to reveal clear hints about the 2026 Mania main event during Survivor Series this weekend. The recent tease on Raw pointed toward Roman Reigns facing either Cody Rhodes or CM Punk.
The report also indicated that the main event direction should become obvious after WarGames, similar to how the first Mania clash between Roman and Cody was set up on the 2023 SmackDown season premiere.
Dave Meltzer on the latest episode of Wrestling Observer Radio shared updated details on WWE’s shifting main-event plans for the ‘Grandest Stage’, revealing how recent injuries and storyline changes have caused the company to adjust its direction.
Roman Reigns & Seth Rollins were set to battle at the ‘Grandest Stage’
During the recent edition, Meltzer noted that earlier plans for the show revolved around another showdown between Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. “Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, but Rollins did say that he’s hoping to get back for WrestleMania.”
However, Rollins is currently out due to a shoulder injury, which he sustained during his Crown Jewel title clash at the namesake PLE earlier this month. During Rollins’ hiatus, WWE has turned its attention to two alternative headline options. Meltzer noted that the company has already begun laying the groundwork for this week’s Raw.
“I was given the impression that the WrestleMania main event that there will be on Saturday [at Survivor Series], there will be teases that will help you figure out who the WrestleMania main event will be… The tease on Monday was absolutely a tease for the main event. Which would lead you to believe it’s Roman Reigns challenging either Cody Rhodes or Punk…
Reigns, Rhodes, and Punk appeared together in the opening segment of the Red brand, hyping up the WarGames match. Reigns ended the exchange by saying that one of their titles would “look better” on his shoulder, without naming which one, sparking speculation among fans.
Although both matchups are still on the table, Metlzer noted that the clash with Punk makes more sense from both a narrative and business perspective, “…in which case, because Cody Rhodes has been done twice before, I would favor them going with Punk…”
He also added that WWE might intentionally hint at both possibilities to keep fan interest high as the WrestleMania 42 season approaches.
“…but I think that on Saturday we will probably have a better idea, although I’m going to guess that they’ll shoot teases with both of them, just to keep that question going.”
[H/T: PW Mania]
When and where will the 42nd WrestleMania take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania is set to emanate live from the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show will take place over two nights, April 18 (Saturday) and April 19 (Sunday), 2026.
What is the latest update on Mania plans for Roman Reigns?
Due to Seth Rollins’ injury, WWE has begun setting up a possible WrestleMania matchup between Roman Reigns and either Cody Rhodes or CM Punk.
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Abhijit Singh is a budding sports journalist with over three years of experience in the field, and a photographer capturing stories through his lens since 2018. With a background in philosophy and political science, he brings a thoughtful, analytical edge to his reporting where every word is guided by curiosity and intent. Whether he's capturing the emotion of a moment or unpacking the deeper narratives within the game, Abhijit’s work is rooted in insight and passion. When he’s not covering sports, he’s often exploring new ideas through reading, traveling or just procrastinating.