Original WWE WrestleMania 42 Plans for Roman Reigns: Report

Roman Reigns celebrates WWE SummerSlam win

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By Andrew Ravens‎

Contributing Sports Writer

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The latest information regarding the main event for WWE 'WrestleMania 42' in Las Vegas has emerged, confirming a significant shift in creative plans. WWE has suggested that tonight’s 'Survivor Series: WarGames' event will be a key precursor to 'WrestleMania' season, providing "big clues" for the top matches at the event next April.

This week on Raw, Roman Reigns teased his intentions by stating he would go after either World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk or Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, though he did not specify which one he was targeting. CM Punk currently holds the World Heavyweight Championship, having won the vacant title on November 1, 2025, after Seth Rollins was stripped of the title due to injury.

Cody Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Champion, a title he won on August 3, 2025. Reigns, Punk, and Rhodes will all compete on the same side in tonight's Men's WarGames Match, teaming with The Usos against Brock Lesnar, Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Drew McIntyre, and Logan Paul.

The massive lineup for the WarGames match was slightly altered due to an injury suffered by Seth Rollins. Rollins suffered a shoulder injury during his match at 'Crown Jewel' last month and had to vacate the World Heavyweight Title. He has been ruled out of action until around 'WrestleMania' season.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, the injury to Rollins necessitated a change in plans, as Reigns versus Rollins was originally scheduled to be the main event for 'WrestleMania 42'. This planned match is now out of the picture due to Rollins' expected absence.

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The current creative direction still centers on Roman Reigns, who will face either CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, or whichever superstar holds the World Heavyweight Championship or Undisputed WWE Championship by the time 'WrestleMania' arrives. This latest development suggests that despite the shift, Reigns will remain a fixture in the show's headline slot.

Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer noted that he was given the impression that tonight's multi-man WarGames match will include subtle moments that will help fans deduce the talent in the main event of 'WrestleMania 42'. The recent tease on Raw "was absolutely a tease for the main event," leading some to believe it is a challenge from Reigns to either Rhodes or Punk.

Given that Rhodes and Reigns have headlined 'WrestleMania' twice already, the possibility of CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns is being heavily favored by some analysts.

'WrestleMania 42' will take place inside Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19, 2026. The single-day tickets for the event went on sale this week, and a new promo featuring top women's division stars like Rhea Ripley, Becky Lynch, and Jade Cargill was released to push ticket sales. The results of the Men's WarGames Match tonight are expected to clarify the immediate path to the main event, setting the stage for the major storyline of 2026.

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