5 Blockbuster Returns Expected At WWE WrestleMania 42
The much-anticipated WrestleMania 42 is only a few hours away from kick-off.
Scheduled across two nights on April 18 & 19, WWE has finalized 13 matches on the card, with 8 championships at risk of changing hands.
The lead-up to the event will be remembered for its hits and misses, plus a few controversial decisions, including one involving Pat McAfee.
On April 3, McAfee aligned himself with Randy Orton, who has been feuding with Cody Rhodes over the Undisputed WWE Championship.
Many fans believed that his insertion into the storyline was unnecessary, as it added enough momentum to keep the fans engaged. What irked viewers the most about it was that the move was executed at the behest of Ari Emanuel, the CEO and executive chairman of TKO Group, and McAfee’s agent.
While that move was obviously a surprise for fans, they could expect a few more returns at WrestleMania 42 across both nights.
John Cena (Announced By WWE As Host)
John Cena was last seen in the Stamford promotion on December 13, 2025, when he wrestled Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event. The 17-time World Champion had been on a year-long retirement tour, which culminated in his final match against The Ring General, which he lost and retired.
As the host of WrestleMania 42, Cena will make his first TV appearance for WWE in over 4 months. Whether or not he keeps aside his urge to interfere in any of the matches to himself remains to be seen.
At WrestleMania 27, John Cena was attacked by then-host, The Rock, during his main event match against The Miz, costing him the chance to reclaim his world championship from the A-Lister.
Paige (Saraya)
Paige is a former 2-time Divas Champion, who was forced into retirement due to a serious neck injury. While she continued to operate in backstage roles, she officially left WWE in 2022 after he contract expired.
A few months later, she made her AEW debut, where she started to wrestle again, becoming a 1-time Women’s World Champion. The 33-year-old had previously spoken about her desire to return to the company, and now it has come to fruition.
A report by PWInsider revealed that she had “signed to return as a wrestler for WWE and is expected to return to the ring this weekend as part of Wrestlemania 42.”
Bron Breakker
Since sustaining a hernia injury in February, Bron Breakker has been out of action and undergone surgery.
The former Intercontinental Champion was at the peak of his career, having betrayed Seth Rollins, who was the leader of his faction, The Vision.
It was recently reported that Breakker was expected back at the WWE Performance Center, which was a major sign of his return to the ring. With Rollins scheduled to wrestle Gunther in a singles match on Saturday, fans can expect interference from the second-generation wrestler.
The Rock
The Rock has become one of the most polarizing figures in WWE today. The former champion’s last appearance was at the Elimination Chamber in 2025.
While he was expected to turn up at WrestleMania to further his story with John Cena and Cody Rhodes, he was a no-show; instead, rapper Travis Scott appeared in his stead, much to everyone’s disappointment.
There have been numerous reports of The Rock’s backstage tiffs with Triple H and other TKO board members. While the rumors have not been officially confirmed, The Brahma Bull not promoting WrestleMania on his social media is an indicator of a backstage power struggle.
Should The Rock finally turn up on either Saturday or Sunday, it would be the most talked-about segment of WrestleMania 42.
“Stone Cold” Steve Austin
‘Stone Cold’ Steve Austin was a guest at last year’s WrestleMania, where he interacted with the Las Vegas audience while announcing the attendance numbers.
According to a report by Bodyslam, the Rattlesnake is scheduled to be backstage in WWE, although it is unclear in what capacity.
Austin last wrestled at WrestleMania 38, where he defeated Kevin Owens in a singles match.