Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Tonight is the absolute pinnacle of sports entertainment. It is the Super Bowl of professional wrestling: WrestleMania 42, Night 1! The grandest stage is set, and the card is stacked with high-stakes championship bouts and bitter rivalries.
I’ve been scrutinizing this Road to WrestleMania to see how creative would book this weekend. Today, we're breaking down Night 1, looking at the storylines, rumors, and predicting who will leave as winners and losers. Let's get into it and see if we will get Title Changes! Shock Returns?! These are our WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Predictions!
Women’s IC Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
We're kicking things off with the Women’s IC title. Honestly, I’m not the biggest AJ Lee fan. I wasn't watching wrestling during her peak popularity, so that nostalgic connection isn't there. As a part-timer, I don't feel her current in-ring work is up to par either. I would love to see them put the strap back on Becky Lynch. She has done heavy lifting to elevate this division. Becky is thriving; she's a fantastic heel who controls the pace perfectly.
Prediction: Becky Lynch wins the title.
Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
Up next, a heavyweight clash. Drew has been doing some of the best character work of his career. The same can be said for Jacob Fatu, who is an unstoppable force. The deciding factor? Drew McIntyre is reportedly getting ready to take time off to film a movie. Because of his star power and upcoming hiatus, Drew doesn't need the rub of a WrestleMania win right now. Fatu, however, benefits massively from slaying a former champion.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu goes over.
Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Championship
🚨 SPOILER WARNING 🚨
Skip ahead in 3... 2... 1... Let's talk about Paige (Saraya). We don't know how she is being inserted yet, but word is she's returning tonight! Despite the massive pop, I don't think they'll put the straps on Paige and Brie right now. Creative is likely holding off for a "Twin Magic" moment down the road when both Bellas are healthy. Looking at the rest: they’ve planted seeds for Bayley and Lyra Valkyria to split. And honestly, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are simply too big of singles stars; they don't need belts.
Prediction: The Irresistible Forces retain.
Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
The Visionary takes on The Ring General. I feel like I should be way more excited about this on paper. The major issue is booking; there's been zero compelling build. That being said, a Gunther match on a PLE is always a guaranteed masterpiece. The in-ring psychology will be incredible, but with the lack of story, I have to go with the dominant force.
Prediction: Gunther defeats Seth Rollins.
Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer (c)
This will be a fantastic showcase. Both women have done stellar jobs. Liv Morgan is on the hottest run of her career. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer has been a phenomenal champion, bringing intense style to the division. However, rumors strongly suggest Stephanie is legitimately banged up. Taking that into account, it makes perfect sense for a title change so she can heal.
Prediction: Liv Morgan takes the World Championship.
Main Event - WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
Finally, the headliner. The Viper challenging The American Nightmare. I feel WWE leaked the result ahead of time. It was announced we're getting a tag match at Backlash featuring Cody and Jelly Roll taking on Randy and Pat McAfee. Furthermore, McAfee cut a promo stating if he loses, he’s leaving WWE—which isn't happening. Because they aren't done with the McAfee/Orton alliance, Orton needs momentum here. So, I expect The Viper to walk out a 15-time World Champ.
Personally? I don't like it. Cody has been a phenomenal champion. Booking title changes purely to pad Orton's numbers to eventually match Flair and Cena at 16 feels hollow. Coming out of the Attitude Era where they hot-swapped titles weekly, I am not a fan of this philosophy. Cody is losing the title tonight just to win it back later, purely so Orton gets another notch on his belt.
Prediction: Randy Orton wins the WWE Championship.
Those are my predictions for WrestleMania 42, Night 1! Do you agree with my picks? Let me know your thoughts down below in the comments!
#WrestleMania #WrestleMania42 #WWE #ProWrestling #CodyRhodes #RandyOrton #WrestlingPredictions #LivMorgan #JacobFatu #DrewMcIntyre #BeckyLynch #SethRollins #AmericanNIghtmare #WM42 #CodyVSRandy #Gunther #SethRollins
Tonight is the absolute pinnacle of sports entertainment. It is the Super Bowl of professional wrestling: WrestleMania 42, Night 1! The grandest stage is set, and the card is stacked with high-stakes championship bouts and bitter rivalries.
I’ve been scrutinizing this Road to WrestleMania to see how creative would book this weekend. Today, we're breaking down Night 1, looking at the storylines, rumors, and predicting who will leave as winners and losers. Let's get into it and see if we will get Title Changes! Shock Returns?! These are our WrestleMania 42 Night 1 Predictions!
Women’s IC Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
We're kicking things off with the Women’s IC title. Honestly, I’m not the biggest AJ Lee fan. I wasn't watching wrestling during her peak popularity, so that nostalgic connection isn't there. As a part-timer, I don't feel her current in-ring work is up to par either. I would love to see them put the strap back on Becky Lynch. She has done heavy lifting to elevate this division. Becky is thriving; she's a fantastic heel who controls the pace perfectly.
Prediction: Becky Lynch wins the title.
Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
Up next, a heavyweight clash. Drew has been doing some of the best character work of his career. The same can be said for Jacob Fatu, who is an unstoppable force. The deciding factor? Drew McIntyre is reportedly getting ready to take time off to film a movie. Because of his star power and upcoming hiatus, Drew doesn't need the rub of a WrestleMania win right now. Fatu, however, benefits massively from slaying a former champion.
Prediction: Jacob Fatu goes over.
Women’s Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Championship
🚨 SPOILER WARNING 🚨
Skip ahead in 3... 2... 1... Let's talk about Paige (Saraya). We don't know how she is being inserted yet, but word is she's returning tonight! Despite the massive pop, I don't think they'll put the straps on Paige and Brie right now. Creative is likely holding off for a "Twin Magic" moment down the road when both Bellas are healthy. Looking at the rest: they’ve planted seeds for Bayley and Lyra Valkyria to split. And honestly, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are simply too big of singles stars; they don't need belts.
Prediction: The Irresistible Forces retain.
Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
The Visionary takes on The Ring General. I feel like I should be way more excited about this on paper. The major issue is booking; there's been zero compelling build. That being said, a Gunther match on a PLE is always a guaranteed masterpiece. The in-ring psychology will be incredible, but with the lack of story, I have to go with the dominant force.
Prediction: Gunther defeats Seth Rollins.
Women's World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer (c)
This will be a fantastic showcase. Both women have done stellar jobs. Liv Morgan is on the hottest run of her career. Meanwhile, Stephanie Vaquer has been a phenomenal champion, bringing intense style to the division. However, rumors strongly suggest Stephanie is legitimately banged up. Taking that into account, it makes perfect sense for a title change so she can heal.
Prediction: Liv Morgan takes the World Championship.
Main Event - WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
Finally, the headliner. The Viper challenging The American Nightmare. I feel WWE leaked the result ahead of time. It was announced we're getting a tag match at Backlash featuring Cody and Jelly Roll taking on Randy and Pat McAfee. Furthermore, McAfee cut a promo stating if he loses, he’s leaving WWE—which isn't happening. Because they aren't done with the McAfee/Orton alliance, Orton needs momentum here. So, I expect The Viper to walk out a 15-time World Champ.
Personally? I don't like it. Cody has been a phenomenal champion. Booking title changes purely to pad Orton's numbers to eventually match Flair and Cena at 16 feels hollow. Coming out of the Attitude Era where they hot-swapped titles weekly, I am not a fan of this philosophy. Cody is losing the title tonight just to win it back later, purely so Orton gets another notch on his belt.
Prediction: Randy Orton wins the WWE Championship.
Those are my predictions for WrestleMania 42, Night 1! Do you agree with my picks? Let me know your thoughts down below in the comments!
#WrestleMania #WrestleMania42 #WWE #ProWrestling #CodyRhodes #RandyOrton #WrestlingPredictions #LivMorgan #JacobFatu #DrewMcIntyre #BeckyLynch #SethRollins #AmericanNIghtmare #WM42 #CodyVSRandy #Gunther #SethRollins
