New Jersey Wrestlers Compete for WWE Titles at WrestleMania 42

Two women from the Garden State battle for championship gold at the biggest event of the year.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 8:11pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's wrestling match, with sharp planes of red, blue, and gold conveying the intensity of the competition.Two New Jersey wrestlers battle for WWE championship gold in a cubist-inspired artistic interpretation of their WrestleMania clash.Union City Today

WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas will feature two New Jersey wrestlers competing for WWE championships. AJ Lee, a pro wrestling pioneer from Union City, will defend her Women's Intercontinental title against Becky Lynch. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan from Elmwood Park will challenge for the Women's WWE World Championship against Stephanie Vaquer.

Why it matters

New Jersey has a rich history of producing top talent in the world of professional wrestling. This WrestleMania will showcase two of the state's homegrown stars competing on the biggest stage for the sport's top prizes.

The details

AJ Lee, born April Mendez, grew up facing financial hardship in Union City before breaking into the wrestling business. She was a trailblazer for women's wrestling in WWE, winning the Divas Championship three times. After retiring in 2015, Lee is now back to defend her Women's Intercontinental title against fellow veteran Becky Lynch. Liv Morgan, a former cheerleader from Elmwood Park, signed with WWE in 2014 and has become one of the company's top women's stars, winning multiple titles including the Women's World Championship.

  • WrestleMania 42 will take place on Saturday, April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas.
  • AJ Lee won the Women's Intercontinental Championship from Becky Lynch in February 2026.
  • Liv Morgan won the 2026 Women's Royal Rumble match, earning a title shot at WrestleMania.

The players

AJ Lee

A pro wrestling pioneer from Union City, New Jersey who was one of the first women to bring athleticism and edgy character work to the WWE women's division. She is a 3-time Divas Champion and is now defending the Women's Intercontinental title.

Becky Lynch

One of the most decorated champions in WWE women's history, the future Hall of Famer is a 6-time Women's World Champion and former Women's Intercontinental titleholder.

Liv Morgan

A native of Elmwood Park, New Jersey, Morgan is a 2-time Women's World Champion, 4-time Women's Tag Team Champion, and the 2026 Women's Royal Rumble winner who is challenging for the WWE Women's World Championship.

Stephanie Vaquer

The current WWE Women's World Champion who will be defending her title against Liv Morgan at WrestleMania 42.

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to be back on the biggest stage in sports entertainment and represent my home state of New Jersey.”

— AJ Lee, Women's Intercontinental Champion

“Winning the Women's World Championship at WrestleMania would be a dream come true. I'm ready to bring that title back to New Jersey.”

— Liv Morgan, Women's Royal Rumble Winner

What’s next

The winners of the two women's title matches at WrestleMania 42 will go on to defend their championships at WWE's next major pay-per-view event, Money in the Bank, in June 2026.

The takeaway

New Jersey has long been a hotbed for pro wrestling talent, and this year's WrestleMania will showcase two of the state's top female stars competing for the sport's highest prizes. Their success could inspire the next generation of wrestlers from the Garden State.