WrestleMania 42 predictions for Night 1

In Las Vegas, it is always recommended to double down on your bets. That is exactly what WWE did by bringing their annual spectacle back to the city that never sleeps. Without further ado, here are my Night 1 predictions for WrestleMania 2026, scheduled for April 18, 2026 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

6-Man Tag Team Match: The Vision (Logan Paul & Austin Theory) and IShowSpeed (with Paul Heyman) vs. The Usos (Jey Uso & Jimmy Uso) and LA Knight

This match screams “WrestleMania spectacle!” Logan Paul has proven to be a big-match performer, Austin Theory brings elite athleticism, and IShowSpeed — a celebrity YouTuber wrestling in his first official match — adds mainstream appeal and draws a broader audience. This is pure entertainment, the kind of WrestleMania-coded match that will have ESPN audiences tuning in. (Reminder: The first two matches of WrestleMania will be broadcast on ESPN networks.)

Winner: The Usos & LA Knight

Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu

Jacob Fatu, the Samoan Werewolf, is the wild card in this matchup. If WWE wants to elevate him into the main event scene, this is the perfect opportunity to do so. Both men desperately need this win, with the victor likely becoming the No. 1 contender for either the WWE Championship or World Heavyweight Championship. Drew McIntyre should control the pace with his size, striking power, and ring IQ. However, Fatu’s unpredictability and explosive offense could swing the momentum in dramatic fashion.

Winner: Jacob Fatu

Women’s Intercontinental Championship Match: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

AJ Lee brings her crafty, opportunistic style against “The Man” Becky Lynch on the biggest stage. This rivalry has been building, and it’s time for AJ to face fresh competition upon her return. Becky Lynch is at a point in her career where she doesn’t necessarily need the Women’s world title. The Intercontinental Championship, however, feels like a perfect fit as she continues to flourish in this division.

Winner: Becky Lynch – New Women’s Intercontinental Champion

Fatal Four-Way Tag Team Match for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship

The Irresistible Forces (Nia Jax & Lash Legend) (c)
vs.
Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss
vs.
Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
vs.
The Bella Twins (Brie Bella & Nikki Bella)

Nia Jax and Lash Legend have been a dominant force on “SmackDown.” They’ll defend their titles against three strong teams in a chaotic fatal four-way that should showcase the depth of the women’s tag team division. The Hall of Fame duo, the Bella Twins, recently reunited and are looking to capture the titles for the first time in their legendary careers. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss will be looking to regain the championships, while Bayley and Lyra Valkyria aim to make a statement with a strong performance.

Winner: The Bella Twins – New WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions

Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

This should be a brutal clash of styles: Seth Rollins’ speed and quickness versus Gunther’s punishing, methodical offense. Rollins is coming off an injury, and you can expect him to rally with big counters and near falls. However, Gunther’s sheer physical dominance will likely overwhelm him in the end. If WWE wants to establish Gunther as the next big heel, this is the match to do it.

Winner: Gunther via submission

Women’s World Championship Match Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

In my opinion, this will be the most physical matchup of Night 1. The build has been intense from the start. After winning the 2026 Royal Rumble, Liv Morgan has been on a mean streak. Both women have elevated the intensity. Expect a fast-paced, hard-hitting match where Morgan uses her explosive energy to stay in the fight, while Vaquer relies on sharper technique and a more methodical approach. Vaquer has been a great champion, but WWE appears ready to position Liv Morgan as the new face of the women’s division.

Winner: Liv Morgan – New Women’s World Champion

Undisputed WWE Championship Match (Main Event) Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton (with Pat McAfee)

Night 1’s main event capitalizes on the historic student vs. teacher rivalry. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton were once faction mates in Legacy, but Pat McAfee’s surprising involvement has left fans puzzled. While many WWE fans aren’t thrilled about McAfee’s role in the main event, his mainstream appeal (especially with ESPN streaming the event) adds extra eyes. Orton remains a bonafide main eventer looking to add to his historic resume. Look for Orton to seize the moment, possibly with the patented Punt Kick. There’s even talk of Jelly Roll getting involved, as he’s been featured in recent WWE programming.

Winner: Randy Orton – New Undisputed WWE Champion