HIGHLIGHTS
- Four new matches were confirmed, including a surprise addition nobody saw coming.
- A legendary venue delivered a moment that could change the main event stipulation.
- One return has everyone wondering who’s really pulling the strings.
Raw was explosive and eventful from Madison Square Garden on Monday. The aftermath saw Roman Reigns put through a table and with the card seemingly fully fleshed out heading into April. Brock Lesnar came face-to-face with Oba Femi, but Triple H wouldn’t let them clash.
At least four new matches are now confirmed for the two-night event. Here’s what happened, what’s new and where the card stands.
What New Matches Were Added to WrestleMania 42?
I’m not sure which match will be the biggest of the four new additions. It’s good to see Gunther getting a spot after his planned feud with Rey Mysterio had to be squashed because of the latter’s injury. That said, the IC ladder match could steal the show.
Seth Rollins was medically cleared and returned to attack Paul Heyman with a chair. Before he could deliver a Stomp, Gunther pulled him out and choked him out before pointing at the WrestleMania sign.
Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio was also confirmed, along with a Ladder Match for Penta’s IC Title and a Fatal 4-Way for the Women’s Tag Titles.
What Happened With Punk and Reigns?
We’re running out of new ways for Reigns and Punk to trade barbs and punches before they actually clash in their match at WrestleMania 42. I thought we might see the match stipulations changed to a street fight or perhaps Bloodline Rules. Maybe that’ll happen next week.
Punk interrupted Reigns at the close of the show. A brawl ensued, ending with Punk hitting a GTS followed by a powerbomb through the announce table. Last week, Reigns attacked Punk with the Usos’ help. The tale of the tape between these two continues to build.
What Else Happened at MSG?
The real focus on some of the matches is built around the potentially unknown. Who has Orton been talking to on the phone? There’s been a lot of mentions of Vince McMahon, without actually saying his name. Could Vince be the man in Orton’s ear? That would go viral and open up a can of worms.
Stephanie McMahon returned and slapped Cody Rhodes, telling him he’s not ready for “this version” of Orton.
The Vision (Logan Paul and Austin Theory) won the World Tag Team Titles from The Usos in a Street Fight with IShowSpeed’s accidental interference.
Roxanne Perez returned to help Liv Morgan attack Stephanie Vaquer. John Cena was announced as WrestleMania’s host.
Where Does the Full WrestleMania 42 Card Stand?
The WrestleMania 42 card is in great shape and there is seemingly enough quality to be spread across both nights. No spot for LA Knight, the Usos and The Vision, so far, but that figures to change. Also, the US titles aren’t on the line. Maybe there’s one or two more matches coming. We’ll see.
Confirmed Matches
- World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
- Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
- Women’s Intercontinental Championship: AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
- United States Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
- Unsanctioned Match: Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu
- Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi
- Seth Rollins vs. Gunther
- Finn Balor vs. Dominik Mysterio
- IC Title Ladder Match: Penta (c) vs. Dragon Lee vs. Je’Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Rusev
- Women’s Tag Team Championship Fatal 4-Way: Irresistible Forces (c) vs. Bella Twins vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria
Building
- LA Knight vs. Logan Paul (expected)
- The Usos’ WrestleMania spot (TBD)
- Roxanne Perez’s involvement with Morgan/Vaquer
WrestleMania 42 takes place April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The event starts at 6 PM ET on ESPN Unlimited.
