Four WWE stars who can’t afford to lose at WrestleMania 42

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The 42nd edition of WrestleMania is only a few weeks away.
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The promotion has announced multiple matches, including World title matches and grudge matches featuring top names.
At this year’s Mania, there are some stars who not only need to win but win in an emphatic fashion. A win at the ‘Grandest Stage’ would not only boost their career but also be a chance to make a loud statement. Let us now take a look at the top four WWE stars who absolutely need to come out on top at WrestleMania 42.
4. Rhea Ripley

‘The Eradictor’ Rhea Ripley is set to battle Women’s Champion Jade Cargill at the ‘Grandest Stage.’ Rhea is one of the biggest names in the division right now, and up until recently held the Women’s Tag Team titles alongside Iyo Sky.
However, a win at Mania would not only mean another World title reign, but would be a massive boost to the SmackDown roster, which has been struggling due to a lack of talent and a poor Champion in Jade Cargill, whose title reign has been lackluster.
Also Read: Crazy fan theory predicts WWE WrestleMania 42 outcome involving CM Punk, Seth Rollins & CM Punk
3. Brock Lesnar

‘The Beast Incarnate’ Brock Lesnar will battle former NXT Champion Oba Femi, who answered Brock’s open challenge. In their last two encounters, Femi has firmly taken control, forcing Lesnar to back down each time and making “The Beast” appear unusually vulnerable and ineffective.
In order to prove his dominance and remind young fans why fear strikes an opponent when they hear Brock Lesnar’s music, and have to go on a tour to Suplex City without their consent.
2. Becky Lynch

After losing the Women’s Intercontinental title, Becky Lynch is set to battle AJ Lee in a rematch as she looks to regain the title. However, Lynch not only needs to win to break AJ’s undefeated streak against her, but a win would also keep the feud alive and less predictable.
Another loss for Lynch against Lee, a fourth one since Lee’s return in mid-2025, would make fans tune out of the feud. It would also damage Becky’s character, as she can’t keep up the hype by claiming that the match was compromised every time.
1. Randy Orton

After winning the 2026 men’s Elimination Chamber match, Randy Orton is gearing up to battle the Undisputed Champion Cody Rhodes at Mania. During the contract signing, Orton turned heel and annihilated Rhodes, voicing his anger with Rhodes, who made things complicated after defeating Drew McIntyre, which means Orton will no longer have to face his longtime friend in Cody, instead of Drew, whom he despises.
Other than that, Orton has also been looking to capture his 15th World title, a goal he has been unable to achieve for a long time.
A win for Orton would not only be a historic 15th title reign, but would also help the feud, if WWE wants to prolong it, giving fans multiple iconic showdowns. A new Champion at the helm of SmackDown will also help the Blue brand and make new, interesting matchups.
When and where will WrestleMania 42 take place?
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania will take place as a two-night event on Saturday, April 18 and 19, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.
What matches have been announced for the show?
• CM Punk (c) vs Roman Reigns – World Heavyweight title match
• Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs Liv Morgan – Women’s World title match
• Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi
• Cody Rhodes (c) vs Randy Orton – Undisputed title match
• Jade Cargill (c) vs Rhea Ripley – WWE Women’s title match
• AJ Lee (c) vs Becky Lynch – Women’s Intercontinental title match
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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.