Brock Lesnar Issues Open Challenge Ahead of WrestleMania 42

The Beast will make five appearances on WWE Raw leading up to the big event.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Brock Lesnar made his return to WWE on Monday Night Raw, accompanied by his advocate Paul Heyman. Heyman issued an open challenge on Lesnar's behalf for a match at WrestleMania 42, promising that the 'victim' would receive an 'ass-kicking of biblical proportions.' Lesnar is scheduled to appear on five episodes of Raw leading up to WrestleMania, giving any superstar a chance to step up and accept the challenge.

Why it matters

Lesnar's return and open challenge adds another high-profile match to the growing WrestleMania 42 card, which already includes title defenses by CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, Jade Cargill, and a match between Stephanie Vaquer and Liv Morgan. Fans are eager to see who will have the courage to face The Beast at the 'Showcase of the Immortals'.

The details

Heyman promised that some poor soul in the men's locker room would soon become the victim of an ass-kicking of biblical proportions, but said that no one has yet emerged that is worthy of said beating. Lesnar is scheduled to appear on the following episodes of Raw leading up to WrestleMania 42: March 16 in San Antonio, March 23 in Boston, March 30 in New York City, April 6 in Houston, and April 13 in Sacramento. Any superstar who accepts the challenge can do so at any of those shows.

  • Brock Lesnar made his return on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Lesnar will appear on the following episodes of WWE Raw leading up to WrestleMania 42: March 16, March 23, March 30, April 6, and April 13.

The players

Brock Lesnar

A former UFC Heavyweight Champion and current WWE Superstar known as 'The Beast'.

Paul Heyman

Brock Lesnar's longtime advocate and manager.

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What they’re saying

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What’s next

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The takeaway

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