Fans Criticize Underwhelming WrestleMania 42 Stage Design

The new stage setup pales in comparison to last year's vibrant and colorful display, disappointing many viewers.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:24am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting the WrestleMania 42 stage design in a muted, fragmented style, conveying a sense of underwhelming production value and fan dissatisfaction.The lackluster stage design for WrestleMania 42 fails to capture the vibrant energy and excitement of past events, leaving many fans disappointed.Las Vegas Today

Fans have heavily criticized the stage design for this year's WrestleMania 42 event, which is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. Side-by-side comparisons of the new stage versus last year's more vibrant and colorful setup have left many viewers unimpressed, with some suggesting WWE may have cut costs on the production. While the event's matches have also been a point of contention, the lackluster stage design has emerged as a major point of frustration for fans ahead of the two-night spectacle.

Why it matters

The WrestleMania stage design is a crucial element of the event, setting the tone and atmosphere for one of WWE's biggest shows of the year. Fans have come to expect elaborate, visually striking sets that enhance the overall experience, so a perceived downgrade in production value could further dampen enthusiasm for this year's card, which has already drawn criticism.

The details

In a social media reveal, fans were shown side-by-side photos of the new WrestleMania 42 stage design compared to last year's event in the same venue. The 2022 stage featured a vibrant, colorful setup that many felt captured the energy and excitement of WrestleMania. In contrast, the 2023 design appears more muted and faded, lacking the same visual pop. Some fans have speculated that WWE may have cut costs on the production, while others have suggested the stage may not have been fully activated in the initial photos.

  • WrestleMania 42 is scheduled to take place over two nights on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026.
  • Last year's WrestleMania event was held at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The players

WWE

The professional wrestling promotion that organizes the annual WrestleMania event.

Allegiant Stadium

The venue in Las Vegas, Nevada, that is hosting WrestleMania 42.

John Cena

A former WWE superstar who had his final WrestleMania match at last year's event.

Cody Rhodes

The current Undisputed WWE Champion, who is defending his title against Randy Orton at WrestleMania 42.

Roman Reigns

The current World Heavyweight Champion, who is defending his title against CM Punk at WrestleMania 42.

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What they’re saying

“What a downgrade.”

— X account

“They already know the budget for the stage was not worth spending for how unhype the matches are this year.”

— Commenter

“Really it looks like they didn't have the money to afford a good set.”

— Commenter

“cheap a** company made allat money the past 2 years and this is the best they could afford?”

— Commenter

What’s next

Once the event is broadcast, fans will get a better idea of how the final stage design compares to previous WrestleMania sets. If the production value is seen as a major disappointment, it could further damage perceptions of this year's WrestleMania and raise questions about WWE's priorities.

The takeaway

The underwhelming stage design for WrestleMania 42 has become a lightning rod for fan frustration, with many perceiving it as a cost-cutting measure by WWE that fails to live up to the event's grand spectacle. This could further erode enthusiasm for a card that has already drawn criticism, underscoring the importance of production values in maintaining the prestige of WWE's flagship annual show.