WWE WrestleMania 42 will not only feature a stacked card of in-ring action, but there will also likely be some notable surprises throughout the two-night event.
From upset wins to surprise returns, Mania has become the site of some of the most memorable moments of the entire calendar year.
The surprises that might take place at “The Show of Shows” could cause ripple effects in the company that will be felt throughout the rest of 2026 and for years to come.
Here are seven potential surprises at WWE WrestleMania 42.
7. Oba Femi Pulls Off Upset Over Brock Lesnar
On the March 16 episode of Monday Night Raw, Oba Femi appeared to answer Brock Lesnar’s open challenge for WrestleMania 42.
With the Fall From Grace and a foot on top of Brock’s chest, Femi showcased his dominance that started on NXT and displayed to the world that he will not be intimidated by anyone.
“The Ruler” is now ready for one of the biggest matches of his entire career as he prepares to face “The Beast Incarnate” at “The Showcase of the Immortals.”
Femi pulling off an upset win over Lesnar would elevate him up the card and present him as the next top star in WWE coming off the heels of the WrestleMania 42 premium live event.
6. John Cena Shows Up To Shut Up GUNTHER
On the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, GUNTHER defeated John Cena in the final match of his illustrious career.
After retiring Cena, GUNTHER would go on to taunt the WWE fans for weeks, leading to a rivalry with one of Cena’s rivals AJ Styles.
This led to “The Ring General” retiring Styles at WWE Royal Rumble 2026 and further adding to his “Career Killer” reputation.
With GUNTHER not having any official plans for WrestleMania 42, fans could see him bragging about his past year at the event, which could see Cena making a surprise appearance to shut up the man who ended his career.
5. Bianca Belair Is Back & Turns Heel To Join Forces With Jade Cargill’s New Faction
Following WWE WrestleMania 41, Bianca Belair revealed that she suffered a broken finger injury that would keep him sidelined for a number of months.
However, Belair’s injury was actually worse than many fans expected and has seen her on the shelf for nearly a year now.
While “The E.S.T. of WWE” has been sidelined, her former tag team partner Jade Cargill has become the WWE Women’s Champion and is now set to face Rhea Ripley for the title at WrestleMania 42.
Considering Cargill recently found new allies in B-Fab and Michin, she could call upon her former friend Bianca Belair to join forces with the reigning WWE Women’s Champion and turn heel at “The Show of Shows” in Las Vegas.
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4. Chris Jericho Makes His Long Anticipated Return
Over the past year, Chris Jericho has found himself in the headlines in regards to his future in pro wrestling.
With reports of his AEW contract set to expire, it has been revealed that WWE has interest in bringing Jericho back into the fold.
Jericho returning to WWE feels like the kind of huge moment that feels worthy of the WrestleMania stage.
WrestleMania 42 could see Jericho finally make his long anticipated comeback to WWE and reestablish himself as a top star in the company.
3. The Usos Turn On Roman Reigns & Cost Him World Heavyweight Championship Against CM Punk
On the road to WrestleMania 42, CM Punk has made his rivalry with Roman Reigns personal by saying he will bury “The OTC” next to his late father.
This led to The Usos standing up for their family and late uncle by demanding an apology from Punk.
While they were unable to get that apology, Jimmy and Jey got the better of Punk and reunited with Reigns in this feud.
The Usos turning on Reigns and costing him the World Heavyweight Championship would be a shocking twist in this story as they get revenge for all the trauma Roman has inflicted on them throughout the past six years.
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2. Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton Have A Double Turn During The Undisputed WWE Championship Match
On the March 13 episode of SmackDown, Randy Orton turned heel and brutally attacked his friend Cody Rhodes during their Undisputed WWE Championship contract signing for WrestleMania 42.
Despite this bloody beatdown at the hands of “The Viper,” Orton was cheered by the fans for this attack on Rhodes.
Then the next week, Orton was once again cheered despite cutting a heel promo and injuring Matt Cardona.
The company could listen to the fanbase by executing a rare double turn for Orton and Rhodes during their Undisputed WWE Championship match where Cody turns heel and Randy goes back to being a babyface at “The Show of Shows.”
1. The Rock Makes A Surprise Appearance To Help Randy Orton Against Cody Rhodes
Speaking of Randy Orton’s heel turn, Michael Cole attempted to get an explanation from “The Legend Killer” on the March 16 edition of Monday Night Raw.
During this interview on the show, Orton was seen on a phone call with a mystery individual who he stated helped to make the decision to turn on Cody Rhodes.
This has led to plenty of speculation from the fans in regards to who could possibly be on the other end of this call with Orton.
Considering his history with Rhodes over the past few years, it makes sense if The Rock is the person on this call and makes a surprise appearance to help Orton become the new Undisputed WWE Champion at WrestleMania 42.
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