4 Raw Stars Who Need Major Push Ahead of WWE WrestleMania

Several rising stars and overlooked veterans stand out as prime candidates for significant pushes on the road to WrestleMania 42.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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As "WrestleMania 42" approaches, the landscape of "Monday Night Raw" is filled with talent vying for a spot on the grandest stage of them all. While established main eventers often dominate the marquee, several rising stars and overlooked veterans stand out as prime candidates for significant pushes.

Why it matters

With the biggest event of the year on the horizon, WWE has an opportunity to elevate new talent and rejuvenate the careers of underutilized performers. Pushing these four Raw stars could inject fresh energy into the roster and create exciting new storylines for WrestleMania.

The details

Je'Von Evans, "The Young OG," has quickly made waves since joining the main roster earlier this year, impressing audiences at the Royal Rumble and securing a spot in the Elimination Chamber match. Penta recently earned the number one contender spot for the Intercontinental Championship, and a title win at WrestleMania could establish him as a credible singles competitor. LA Knight returned at the Royal Rumble and qualified for the Elimination Chamber, where he will battle for a chance to face Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship. Finn Balor is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Elimination Chamber, and a babyface turn and dedicated feud away from The Judgment Day faction could reinvigorate his career.

  • The Elimination Chamber event is scheduled for February 28 at the United Center in Chicago.
  • WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18 and 19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

The players

Je'Von Evans

"The Young OG" has quickly made waves since joining the main roster earlier this year, impressing audiences at the Royal Rumble and securing a spot in the Elimination Chamber match.

Penta

Penta recently earned the number one contender spot for the Intercontinental Championship, and a title win at WrestleMania could establish him as a credible singles competitor.

LA Knight

"The Megastar" returned at the Royal Rumble and qualified for the Elimination Chamber, where he will battle for a chance to face Drew McIntyre for the WWE Championship.

Finn Balor

"The Prince" is set to challenge CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship at the Elimination Chamber event in Chicago.

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What’s next

The outcomes of the Elimination Chamber event will directly shape the matches and storylines for WrestleMania 42.

The takeaway

With the biggest event of the year on the horizon, WWE has an opportunity to elevate new talent and rejuvenate the careers of underutilized performers. Pushing these four Raw stars could inject fresh energy into the roster and create exciting new storylines for WrestleMania.