Four major WWE names who could be left off WrestleMania 42 card

WrestleMania 42 is less than four weeks away.

For the second year in a row, Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, will host the 42nd edition of WrestleMania. Multiple matches have been announced for the show, featuring big names. Additionally, multiple ongoing storylines will end up in a clash at the ‘Grandest Stage.’

However, there are several big names who, despite being healthy and regularly competing on weekly programming, could still be left off the card due to a lack of a proper storyline or creative direction.

4. Matt Cardona

Matt Cardona, fka Zack Ryder, made his WWE return during the first SmackDown of 2026, drumming up interest from fans. However, since the debut, Cardona has barely been utilized on Television, except for a few backstage segments and a handful of matches, including one for the US title.

Cardona has been off TV not because of an injury, but due to lack of creative direction, a sight too common for multiple stars on the current roster and it is highly likely that he is left off the Mania card this year.

Also Read: All matches announced for WWE WrestleMania 42 so far ft. Brock Lesnar, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Rhea Ripley & more

3. Bayley

Since missing WrestleMania 41 after being replaced by Becky Lynch, Bayley has not really been given a major push and has mostly suffered defeat in major bouts. Even the tease of the heel turn was dropped and forgotten by the creative team.

Despite being one of the biggest names on the WWE roster, the poor booking and constant losses have made fans question the creative decisions. Bayley recently lost clean to AJ Lee, where the Women’s IC title was on the line. After the loss, there isn’t any solid plan for either her or her tag partner Lyra Valkyria, and it seems like Bayley is enroute to missing another Mania this year.

2. Iyo Sky

Since Rhea Ripley’s transfer to SmackDown to feud with Jade Cargill ahead of their title bout at Mania, Iyo Sky has been largely absent from WWE programming. During the recent March 16 show of Raw, Sky rushed in to aid Stephanie Vaquer, a move that made no sense. Nevertheless, Sky was ragdolled by Raquel Rodriguez.

Despite murmurs of a clash with Asuka, Sky has not been featured in feuds or storylines leading into Mania, which might end up in the Genius of the Sky missing the ‘Grandest Stage,’ despite massive fan support.

1. LA Knight

Talking about fan support, LA Knight is one of the biggest names who, despite being over with the crowd, is treated like a mid-card talent and sometimes barely featured on TV. Rumors of Knight facing Brock Lesnar or either of the Vision members have died down as Lesnar is facing Oba Femi, while Logan and Theory are in a storyline with the Usos.

This once again leaves Knight without a clear feud heading into WrestleMania, raising questions about whether the ‘Megastar’ will even make the card. He has increasingly become an example of questionable booking, with many fans feeling he’s been deliberately held back from a push he has clearly earned.

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