ESPN Experts Reveal Top Matches and Predictions for WrestleMania 42

Roundtable discussion highlights the most anticipated bouts and bold forecasts ahead of the big event in Las Vegas.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WWE wrestling match, with the figures and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, creating a dynamic and abstract visual representation of the anticipated event.Experts' predictions for WrestleMania 42 promise an action-packed weekend of high-stakes matches and potential upsets in the world of professional wrestling.Las Vegas Today

In a roundtable discussion ahead of WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas, a panel of ESPN experts shared their thoughts on the most anticipated matches and made bold predictions for the upcoming wrestling extravaganza. The annual showcase event is set to take place this weekend in the entertainment capital of the world.

Why it matters

WrestleMania is the biggest event on the professional wrestling calendar, drawing massive global audiences and serving as a major revenue driver for WWE. The roundtable discussion provides fans with expert analysis and insights to build anticipation for the marquee matches and storylines that will unfold at this year's event.

The details

The ESPN panel highlighted several high-profile matchups as the most anticipated of WrestleMania 42, including the WWE Championship bout between defending titleholder Roman Reigns and challenger Cody Rhodes, as well as the showdown between Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair for the Women's Championship. The experts also made bold forecasts, such as predicting an upset victory for Sami Zayn over his former Bloodline stablemate Jey Uso.

  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled for this weekend, April 19-20, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
  • The annual WWE pay-per-view event typically takes place over the course of two nights.

The players

Roman Reigns

The current WWE Champion and a dominant force in the company for several years.

Cody Rhodes

A former AEW star who made a surprise return to WWE and is challenging Reigns for the title.

Ronda Rousey

A former UFC champion who is now a top star in WWE's women's division.

Charlotte Flair

A multi-time women's champion and one of the most decorated female wrestlers in WWE history.

Sami Zayn

A fan-favorite wrestler who is part of the dominant Bloodline faction led by Roman Reigns.

Jey Uso

One half of the Uso tag team and a member of the Bloodline alongside Reigns and Zayn.

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What they’re saying

“Cody Rhodes has been on a tear since returning to WWE, and I think he's going to pull off the upset and dethrone Roman Reigns as champion.”

— Booker T, WWE Hall of Famer and Analyst

“Ronda Rousey and Charlotte Flair is going to steal the show. These two are going to put on a clinic and deliver one of the best women's matches in WrestleMania history.”

— Paige, Former WWE Superstar and Analyst

“I've got a feeling Sami Zayn is going to shock the world and beat Jey Uso. The crowd is going to be electric for that one.”

— Triple H, WWE Executive and Hall of Famer

What’s next

Fans can tune in to the two-night WrestleMania 42 event on April 19-20, 2026, to see if the expert predictions come true.

The takeaway

The ESPN roundtable discussion has heightened anticipation for WrestleMania 42, with the panel highlighting several must-see matchups and making bold forecasts that have the potential to shake up the WWE landscape. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see if the experts' predictions come to fruition in the wrestling extravaganza.