Las Vegas is poised to host a potentially record-breaking WrestleMania, with WWE officials reportedly planning an ambitious card for WrestleMania 42 that could feature more women’s division matches than any previous iteration of the event. The two-night spectacle, scheduled for April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium, is already shaping up to be a landmark event for women’s wrestling, with two championship matches confirmed and several others strongly anticipated.
The buzz surrounding the potential for a six-match women’s lineup stems from reports within WWE creative, as indicated by WrestleVotes on their Patreon page. While five matches are described as firmly planned, the possibility of reaching six represents a significant commitment to showcasing the depth and talent within the women’s division. WrestleMania 36, held in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and largely pre-recorded, currently holds the record for the most women’s matches on a single WrestleMania card.
The foundation for this historic potential has already been laid with the official announcements of two key championship bouts. Stephanie Vaquer will defend her Women’s World Championship against Liv Morgan, a match born from a heated rivalry that escalated following Morgan’s victory in the 2026 Women’s Royal Rumble. Jade Cargill, the reigning WWE Women’s Champion, is slated to face Rhea Ripley in what promises to be a clash of titans. These two matches alone signal a clear intent to elevate the prominence of women’s wrestling on the grandest stage of them all.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire: Vaquer vs. Morgan
The path to WrestleMania for Liv Morgan and Stephanie Vaquer has been anything but smooth. Following her Royal Rumble win, Morgan faced a tricky decision regarding her WrestleMania opponent. Vaquer, a rising star in WWE, made a compelling case, delivering a fiery promo that reportedly left Morgan visibly shaken. According to reports from NewsBreak and WrestleZone, Vaquer questioned Morgan’s perform ethic and accused her of relying on the support of Judgment Day. The tension culminated on the February 23 episode of Monday Night RAW in Atlanta, where Morgan, after initially appearing to consider Cargill, shockingly turned on Vaquer with a brutal attack, solidifying her choice of opponent.
The attack included a microphone-loaded right hand, a Codebreaker, and an Oblivion, leaving Vaquer battered and Morgan standing tall. This decisive act signaled a shift in Morgan’s approach, demonstrating a willingness to do whatever it takes to retain her championship. The rivalry is deeply personal, rooted in contrasting journeys to the top of WWE. Morgan acknowledged Vaquer’s struggle to “scratch and claw” her way to success, while Vaquer challenged Morgan’s privileged position within the company.
Cargill and Ripley: A Championship Collision
The other confirmed women’s championship match pits Jade Cargill against Rhea Ripley, a contest that represents a clash of two dominant forces in WWE. Cargill, known for her undefeated streak and imposing presence, has quickly established herself as a major player in the women’s division. Ripley, a long-time veteran and a member of The Judgment Day, is a formidable opponent with a reputation for ruthlessness and intensity. This match is expected to be a physically demanding and emotionally charged battle for the WWE Women’s Championship.
Beyond the Championships: Potential Additions to the Card
While Vaquer-Morgan and Cargill-Ripley are confirmed, the possibility of additional women’s matches looms large. WrestlingWorld.co reports that a rematch for the Women’s Intercontinental title between AJ Lee and Becky Lynch is widely expected. The potential for defenses of the Women’s United States Championship and the Women’s Tag Team titles could further bolster the number of women’s matches on the card, bringing WWE closer to its ambitious goal of six.
The inclusion of a Women’s United States Championship match would be particularly significant, as the title was reintroduced in 2024, marking a renewed commitment to providing opportunities for female competitors. Similarly, a defense of the Women’s Tag Team titles would showcase the talent and teamwork within the tag team division. The exact composition of these potential matches remains to be seen, but the groundwork is being laid for a WrestleMania card that prioritizes and celebrates women’s wrestling.
The Men’s Championship Landscape
While the focus is shifting towards the women’s division, the men’s championship picture is also taking shape. World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk is scheduled to defend his title against Roman Reigns in a highly anticipated showdown. WWE Champion Drew McIntyre will face Randy Orton, though McIntyre first has a title defense against Cody Rhodes scheduled for SmackDown this Friday. Brock Lesnar will also participate, issuing an open challenge for WrestleMania, with his opponent yet to be determined.
The Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, the venue for WrestleMania 42, is prepared to host a two-night event with a scheduled start time of 6 p.m. Eastern time each night. The stadium’s capacity and state-of-the-art facilities are expected to provide an unforgettable experience for fans in attendance and those watching from around the globe.
WrestleMania 42 – Current Match Card
- World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defends against Roman Reigns
- Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer defends against Liv Morgan
- WWE Women’s Champion Jade Cargill defends against Rhea Ripley
- WWE Champion Drew McIntyre defends against Randy Orton
- Brock Lesnar open challenge (opponent to be announced)
The potential for a record number of women’s matches at WrestleMania 42 reflects a broader trend within WWE towards greater inclusivity and representation. The company has made significant investments in its women’s division in recent years, providing more opportunities for female performers to showcase their talent and compete for championships. This commitment is evident in the increased airtime, storylines, and championship opportunities afforded to women’s wrestlers.
The success of this initiative will not only benefit the individual performers involved but also contribute to the overall growth and popularity of professional wrestling. By presenting a diverse and compelling product, WWE can attract a wider audience and solidify its position as a global entertainment leader.
As WrestleMania 42 approaches, fans can expect further announcements and developments regarding the match card. The next key checkpoint will be the SmackDown broadcast this Friday, where Drew McIntyre will defend his WWE Championship against Cody Rhodes. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of WrestleMania 42 and the latest news from the world of professional wrestling. We encourage you to share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
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