WrestleMania season is upon us once again, with WWE's premier annual spectacle, WrestleMania 42, set to captivate audiences worldwide. This year's event marks a surprising return to Las Vegas, just one year after the city last hosted the extravaganza, a move that has sparked mixed reactions from fans. While some have expressed disappointment over ticket prices and a perceived lacklustre build-up, WWE is pulling out all the stops to win back support, including enlisting retired legend John Cena as the official host.
WrestleMania 42 Event Details
The 42nd edition of WrestleMania continues its two-night format, taking place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In the United States, each night's action kicks off at 4pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET, while UK viewers can tune in at 11pm BST. For the first time, the event will stream live on Netflix in the UK and most global territories at no extra cost to subscribers, though in the US, it will air exclusively on ESPN.
How Much Do WWE Stars Earn at WrestleMania?
The financial specifics of WWE contracts have traditionally been shrouded in secrecy, but insights from industry insiders provide some clarity. According to WWE executive and former star Triple H (Paul Levesque), the minimum base salary for wrestlers on the main SmackDown and Raw rosters was $250,000 as of 2022, a figure that may have since increased. This baseline does not apply to NXT developmental talent, but earnings are significantly boosted by merchandise sales and believed cuts from pay-per-view revenues.
WrestleMania weekend is particularly lucrative, with heightened merchandise and viewership driving potential bonuses. In 2023, The Mirror reported some of the highest annual salaries in WWE, excluding bonuses: Roman Reigns and Randy Orton each earning $5 million, Seth Rollins at $3.5 million, Cody Rhodes at $3 million, and Logan Paul at $2 million. These figures underscore the substantial financial rewards for top-tier performers during marquee events like WrestleMania.
Confirmed Matches and Results
Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 saw thrilling bouts, including Cody Rhodes retaining his Undisputed WWE Championship against Randy Orton via pinfall, and Becky Lynch capturing the Women's Intercontinental Championship by defeating AJ Lee. Other highlights included Gunther's submission victory over Seth Rollins and Liv Morgan becoming the new Women's World Champion after pinning Stephanie Vaquer.
Night 2 promises even more excitement, with key matches such as CM Punk defending his World Heavyweight Championship against Roman Reigns, and a star-studded Ladder Match for the Intercontinental Championship featuring Penta, Rey Mysterio, and others. Additional bouts include Sami Zayn versus Trick Williams for the United States Championship and Jade Cargill facing Rhea Ripley for the Women's WWE Championship.
Celebrity Involvement at WrestleMania
As is tradition, WrestleMania 42 features a roster of celebrity participants. YouTubers Logan Paul and IShowSpeed will team up in a tag-team match, while music artists Jelly Roll and Lil Yachty are set to make appearances. Retired wrestler-turned-actor John Cena takes on hosting duties, and former NFL kicker Pat McAfee is also expected to feature, adding to the event's cross-industry appeal.
Despite fan concerns over the quick return to Las Vegas and ticket pricing, WrestleMania 42 aims to deliver unforgettable moments with its blend of athletic prowess and entertainment spectacle. With top stars like CM Punk and Roman Reigns headlining, and a lineup of celebrity guests, this year's event is poised to be a highlight in WWE's calendar.
