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WrestleMania 42 Night 2 Predictions: Lesnar Tops Femi, Punk Acknowledges Reigns

By HC Green Men's Journal

Updated April 17, 2026 5:25 PM

The time has finally arrived. World Wrestling Entertainment will hold WrestleMania 42 this weekend from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-night extravaganza will feature 13 matches, and I'm going to try and correctly predict the outcomes for each of them. For reference, this is what I think will happen, not what I believe should happen.

With that in mind, here are my predictions for WrestleMania 42: Night 2:

John Cena: Class of 2027 Hall of Fame

This isn't a match, but with Cena hosting WrestleMania, I'm expecting some skit-based comedy with Danhausen on Night 1. On Night 2, however, during the opening segment, we get an "unscheduled" appearance from The Undertaker to "surprise" Cena with the news that he will headline next year's Hall of Fame inductions.

Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi

This might be my most anticipated match of WrestleMania 42. The build has been simple but effective, and there's a real sense that the outcome could go either way. Putting Femi over would cement his place near the top of the card. WWE has been slow to pull the trigger for so long, though, that it's easy to envision Lesnar getting the pin while Femi "earns respect" in defeat. It also keeps Lesnar strong to be retired by Gunther later in 2026. Winner: Brock Lesnar

Penta (C) vs. Rusev vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh: Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match

This match has no storyline and is instead pretty much everyone WWE could find that's healthy and can do some cool stuff with a ladder. You can safely rule out Rusev, Lee, and McDonagh. The same logic used to have Femi lose to Lesnar applies to Evans. That leaves a Penta retention or one last moment in the sun for Mysterio. I'll take the latter (in the Ladder Match). Winner: Rey Mysterio

Sami Zayn (C) vs. Trick Williams: United States Championship Match

It certainly appears we'll be getting a Steve Austin-Bret Hart double-turn as Zayn goes heel with Williams becoming a face. Austin actually lost that classic encounter with Hart, but I don't think that happens here, especially with Williams being accompanied by Lil Yachty. WWE loves that crossover branding and probably relishes the chance to have Williams appear in photos holding the US belt next to Yachty. Winner: Trick Williams

Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio

Glacial pacing was the story of the Judgment Day saga, and it seems to have really hurt interest in this match. Honestly, this could've been on last year's card. Balor is dusting off the "Demon" persona here, so I can't imagine he'll be losing to Mysterio, whose ability to draw reactions is independent of his win-loss record. Winner: Finn Balor

Jade Cargill (C) vs. Rhea Ripley: WWE Women's Championship Match

By all accounts, Ripley's place in this match was a pivot when Bianca Belair was unable to be medically cleared to return to the ring. On one hand, I think Cargill is in over her head as champion. On the other, I don't think Netflix is too keen on Ripley, the company's top female star, moving to SmackDown. If Belair is remotely close to returning, Cargill retains through outside interference and drops the title to Bianca. If not, Ripley wins (and maybe she and Liv Morgan swap brands). I'll go with the former scenario. Winner: Jade Cargill

CM Punk (C) vs. Roman Reigns: World Heavyweight Championship Match

Another title run for Reigns feels like the direction we've been headed since at least Survivor Series, and it's likely for the best. Reigns as champion opens a lot of new possibilities, maybe a post-Mania feud with Jacob Fatu or a return to Bloodline drama. Where would Punk go next as champion? The bigger question here is whether we finally get the start of a Punk heel turn that feels well overdue. Winner: Roman Reigns

That's it for WrestleMania 42: Night 2. Be sure to check out my predictions for Night 1.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

This story was originally published April 17, 2026 at 4:15 PM.