Top five WWE stars who might have their final WrestleMania this year
(Courtesy : WWE)
WrestleMania 42 could be the last hurrah for some of WWE’s most beloved names
WrestleMania has always been the stage where legends are made and careers are defined. But now and then, it is also the stage where careers come to a close.
WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18 and 19 looks set to be one of the most emotional editions of The Showcase of the Immortals in years, with several beloved superstars potentially stepping into the ring for the very last time on the grandest stage of them all.
With John Cena and AJ Styles both having recently hung up their boots, the wave of farewells is showing no signs of slowing down.
Here are five WWE stars who could be competing at WrestleMania for the very last time this April.
5. R-Truth
Ron “R-Truth” Killings is 54 years old and one of the most entertaining figures in the history of professional wrestling. He recently won the WWE Tag Team Championships alongside Damian Priest on SmackDown in one of the most surprising moments of the season.
Whether or not Truth and Priest defend the gold at WrestleMania 42, the veteran entertainer’s continued presence on the card is a genuine possibility and a genuinely emotional one.
Truth has spent over two decades in the industry. His comedic timing, his connection with the crowd, and his late-career resurgence under WWE’s creative team have made him one of the most beloved figures on the roster. A multi-team tag title defense at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas is being discussed, which could make this R-Truth’s final appearance on the grandest stage of them all.
4. AJ Lee
AJ Lee’s return to WWE was one of the most unexpected and celebrated moments of 2025. She signed a multi-year contract with WWE last September, though it was never intended as a full-time weekly schedule.
Now the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, Lee is set to defend her title against Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42, a dream match that has been years in the making.
While Lee may not retire from wrestling any time soon, her appearances after April could become extremely scarce.
She may not compete in any major events following WrestleMania, let alone have long-term feuds at this level. This makes WrestleMania 42 a very real candidate for her final appearance on the grandest stage of them all.
3. The Bella Twins
Nikki and Brie Bella’s return to WWE at the 2026 Royal Rumble was a moment that had the entire WWE Universe on its feet.
The Bella Twins signed a two-year deal with WWE starting around the Royal Rumble, with rumors swirling that they will compete in a multi-team match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship at WrestleMania 42.
However, their run at the top of the card is unlikely to last beyond this WrestleMania season. The current women’s division is already crowded with several emerging names vying for the spotlight, and The Bella Twins may not find a spot at WrestleMania again after this year.
Nikki’s recent ankle scare on the March 27 SmackDown has only added urgency and emotion to what already felt like a very personal final chapter.
2. Seth Rollins
This one comes with the weight of a prophecy behind it. Paul Heyman, who never chooses his words carelessly, said in a recent promo that WrestleMania 42 will be Seth Rollins’ last WrestleMania, declaring it will be “the end of Seth Rollins” and that if fans are Rollins supporters, now is the time to see him because this will be his final appearance at the event.
Rollins is a six-time world champion who has also won the US Championship twice, the Intercontinental Championship twice, and holds six tag title reigns.
He returned at the 2026 Elimination Chamber after recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in October 2025. Whether Heyman’s words are scripted or prophetic, the idea of Seth Rollins walking away from WrestleMania for the last time is one that will hit the WWE Universe hard.
1. Brock Lesnar
The biggest name on this list and the one with the most evidence behind it. Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter have indicated that the plan for 2026 is a potential retirement run for Lesnar, who is advertised for WrestleMania 42 in April.
The Beast Incarnate will face Oba Femi at WrestleMania 42 in what is shaping up to be a generational collision of power and dominance.
Lesnar has been used primarily as a box-office attraction, with his appearances pre-announced and reserved for major events, mirroring the approach WWE used for John Cena’s farewell tour.
Rumors are growing that Lesnar could retire at SummerSlam 2026, which takes place in his home state of Minnesota, making WrestleMania 42 potentially his second-to-last major appearance or, if WWE pulls the trigger early, his definitive swan song. Either way, every moment of his Las Vegas appearance carries the weight of a farewell.
Is Brock Lesnar retiring after WrestleMania 42?
Reports from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter indicate that WWE’s plan for 2026 involves a retirement run for Brock Lesnar, with WrestleMania 42 being a key part of that schedule. He is set to face Oba Femi at the event. Rumors also point to a possible retirement match at SummerSlam 2026 in his home state of Minnesota, though nothing has been officially confirmed by WWE.
Where and when is WrestleMania 42 taking place?
WrestleMania 42 takes place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The event will stream on ESPN in the United States, with the first hour of each night also airing live on ESPN2 and ESPN respectively, marking the first WWE premium live event to air on ESPN.
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