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4 Massive Returns That Took Place At WWE WrestleMania 42 Saturday

By Harikesh Shekhar • Published Apr 18, 2026 21:29 EDT
Bianca Belair & Paige returned at WWE WrestleMania 42 (Images via X/@WWE)
Bianca Belair & Paige returned at WWE WrestleMania 42 (Images via X/@WWE)

WWE’s WrestleMania is an event that always manages to surprise fans, and this year, we had quite a few of them.

WrestleMania 42’s build-up wasn’t well-received by fans and critics, and WWE and TKO were forced to include celebrities such as Pat McAfee, IShowSpeed, Jelly Roll, and Lil Yachty into storylines to boost interest.

However, those celebrities were already part of the build-up, so the real surprises came on the night, when some major stars showed up to shine in the spotlight of the Showcase of the Immortals.

Major WWE Stars Return At WWE WrestleMania 42

Here’s a look back at some WWE stars that returned to the ring on Saturday night 1 at WrestleMania 42.

John Cena

John Cena retired from wrestling last December, but to the excitement of the WWE Universe, he was announced as the host of this year’s WrestleMania.

An emotional Cena was humbled by the ovation he received. He went on to kick off the show by acknowledging the criticisms WWE has received for the build-up to WrestleMania 42, but said that would all change with the matches on the night. He later came out before the main event to announce the attendance on the night, and shared a moment in the ring with the other major returning star on the night, Bianca Belair.

Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair injured her finger during her triple threat match at last year’s WrestleMania against IYO SKY and has been out of action since. The rumours about her losing her finger even after surgery because it was not rehabilitating fast enough spread fast and wide.

However, in a delightful turn of events, Belair made her way to the ring to a huge pop from the fans and announced that she was pregnant, revealing her baby bump. Her finger looked fine, which could indicate that Belair likely stretched out the news of the finger injury to reveal the pregnancy as a surprise at WrestleMania 42. John Cena, who was in the ring announcing the attendance record, corrected himself by adding Bianca’s unborn child to the total number.

Paige

In what was a shocking turn of events, Nikki Bella, who was injured and not medically cleared to compete in her Women’s Tag Team Title match-up with her sister, came out to announce that a returning Paige would be taking her place instead.

Paige, whose AEW contract expired in March 2026, was rumoured to return and did so in style. She entered the fray and won her team the match to become the new Women’s Tag Team Champions with Brie Bella.

Bron Breakker

Bron Beakker was injured immediately after the Royal Rumble and had to undergo surgery for a hernia. This put him out of action, and WWE had to cancel their planned feud between Breakker and a returning Seth Rollins.

Rollins faced Gunther in a match at WrestleMania 42 instead, but towards the end of the bout, Breakker returned to spear Rollins and cost him the match, surprising everyone in attendance.

This rivalry, which began in November 2025 when Rollins was ousted from The Vision by Breakker and Co, looks like it will now move forward in the weeks to come.

Also read: Paige Breaks Silence Following Blockbuster WWE WrestleMania 42 Return

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