John Cena to Host WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas

The 17-time WWE champion will take on hosting duties for the two-day event at Allegiant Stadium.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 2:41pm

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WWE has announced that legendary wrestler John Cena will host WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Cena, who retired from in-ring competition in December 2025 after a 20-year career, will take on the hosting duties for the annual wrestling extravaganza.

Why it matters

Cena's return to WrestleMania as host is a major event for WWE, as he is one of the biggest stars in the company's history. His hosting duties will bring additional star power and excitement to the already highly anticipated WrestleMania weekend.

The details

Cena announced the news on social media, posting a video from the set of a Netflix movie he is currently filming. 'There's a road to WrestleMania going on, and Hollywood is really close to Vegas. Rumor around this town is WrestleMania needs a host. Well, I'm already on that road. So I will see you at WrestleMania,' Cena said in the clip.

  • WrestleMania 42 will take place on April 18-19, 2026.
  • Cena retired from in-ring competition in December 2025 after a 20-year WWE career.

The players

John Cena

A 17-time WWE world champion and future Hall of Famer who is considered one of the biggest stars in the history of professional wrestling. Cena recently retired from in-ring competition in December 2025.

Allegiant Stadium

The home stadium of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, which will host WrestleMania 42 on April 18-19, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“...there's a road to WrestleMania going on, and Hollywood is really close to Vegas. Rumor around this town is WrestleMania needs a host. Well, I'm already on that road. So I will see you at WrestleMania.”

— John Cena

What’s next

Cena's hosting duties at WrestleMania 42 will be a major part of the build-up to the event, with WWE likely to feature him prominently in the weeks and months leading up to the show.

The takeaway

John Cena's return to WrestleMania as host is a testament to his enduring star power and importance to WWE, even after his retirement from in-ring competition. His presence will undoubtedly add to the excitement and spectacle of one of the biggest events in sports entertainment.