Every WrestleMania Host Ranked Ahead of John Cena's Return at WrestleMania 42
John Cena will return to WWE for the first time since his December 2025 retirement to serve as the host of WrestleMania 42.
The modern WrestleMania host concept dates back to 2011, evolving out of the Raw guest host era, started by Donald Trump when he "purchased" the company from Vince McMahon in storyline in June 2009.
WWE hasn't used a host every year since, but when it does, the role reliably enhances the show. A strong host adds star power, connects segments, and occasionally becomes part of the night's biggest moments.
With that in mind, here's a ranking of every WrestleMania host.
Titus O'Neil
Titus O'Neil co-hosted WrestleMania 37 alongside Hulk Hogan during WWE's return to live crowds amid the COVID-19 pandemic. While the moment itself was historic, O'Neil's hosting role was overshadowed-especially as Hogan drew a negative crowd reaction.
Alexa Bliss
Alexa Bliss hosted WrestleMania 35 during a hiatus from in-ring competition. Positioned as an authority figure, she opened the show, setting the stage for Seth Rollins to defeat Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.
Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski hosted WrestleMania 36, the pandemic-era event with no live crowd. Despite the unusual setting, his energy helped WWE lean into a more entertainment-driven presentation for a fully at-home audience.
The Miz
The Miz co-hosted WrestleMania 39 in Los Angeles and proved why he's one of WWE's most versatile performers. A natural hype man, he thrives in hosting roles-and will again be front and center this weekend, co-hosting the Hall of Fame ceremony with Michael Cole.
Hulk Hogan
Few names are more synonymous with WrestleMania than Hulk Hogan, who hosted both WrestleMania 30 and 37.
His WrestleMania 30 appearance stands out, featuring a generational in-ring moment alongside The Rock and Stone Cold Steve Austin.
The New Day
The New Day-Big E, Kofi Kingston, and Xavier Woods-hosted WrestleMania 33 at the height of their popularity.
Their humor carried the night, highlighted by their surprise introduction of The Hardy Boyz.
Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg, a WWE Hall of Famer, co-hosted WrestleMania 39 in a near-perfect use of the role.
One of the most memorable moments came when he improvised on the fly after Shane McMahon suffered an in-ring injury-saving the segment in real time.
The Rock (No. 1)
The Rock remains the gold standard.
As host of WrestleMania 27, his role extended far beyond one night-launching the main-event programs for WrestleMania 28 and 29 against John Cena. No host since has matched that level of long-term storytelling impact.
How to Watch John Cena Host WrestleMania 42
You can watch John Cena host WrestleMania 42 on Saturday and Sunday, April 18–19, starting at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT on ESPN Unlimited.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 9:16 AM.