Two New Jersey Wrestlers Compete for WWE Titles at WrestleMania 42

AJ Lee and Liv Morgan, both from the Garden State, battle for championship gold at WWE's biggest event of the year.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:28am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in bold, vibrant colors depicting the action and movement of a women's wrestling match, with the figures and background broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The geometric, cubist-inspired illustration captures the intensity and energy of the two New Jersey wrestlers battling for championship gold at the biggest event in sports entertainment.Union City Today

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

Why it matters

The inclusion of these two New Jersey natives in high-profile title matches at WrestleMania highlights the state's growing prominence in the world of professional wrestling. Both Lee and Morgan have overcome personal hardships to reach the pinnacle of their sport, inspiring fans across the Garden State.

The details

AJ Lee, born April Mendez, grew up facing financial difficulties with her family in Union City. Her older brother introduced her to pro wrestling, which became a welcome distraction. After working multiple jobs to save up money, Lee made her WWE debut in 2011 and went on to become a three-time Divas Champion, pioneering the evolution of women's wrestling in the company. Liv Morgan, born Gionna Jene Daddio in Elmwood Park, was a competitive cheerleader before signing with WWE's NXT in 2014. She has since become a two-time Women's World Champion, a four-time Women's Tag Team Champion, and the 2026 Women's Royal Rumble winner.

  • 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.

The players

AJ Lee

A pioneering women's wrestler from Union City, New Jersey, who is a three-time WWE Divas Champion and is defending her Women's Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Liv Morgan

A wrestler from Elmwood Park, New Jersey, who is a two-time WWE Women's World Champion, a four-time Women's Tag Team Champion, and the 2026 Women's Royal Rumble winner, and is challenging for the WWE Women's World Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Becky Lynch

A six-time Women's World Champion and former Women's Intercontinental Champion, who is challenging AJ Lee for the title at WrestleMania 42.

Stephanie Vaquer

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

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What they’re saying

“I'm so excited to be back at WrestleMania and to be representing New Jersey on the biggest stage. This championship match means everything to me.”

— AJ Lee

“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

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.

The takeaway

The presence of two New Jersey natives in high-profile title matches at WrestleMania 42 showcases the state's growing influence in the world of professional wrestling, as a new generation of talent from the Garden State continues to rise to the top of the industry.