{"id":154326,"date":"2026-03-04T08:00:27","date_gmt":"2026-03-04T13:00:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/?p=154326"},"modified":"2026-03-08T01:24:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-08T06:24:20","slug":"the-grandest-roadmap-of-them-all-post-elimination-chamber-prediction-of-wwe-wrestlemania-42-card","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/2026\/03\/04\/the-grandest-roadmap-of-them-all-post-elimination-chamber-prediction-of-wwe-wrestlemania-42-card\/","title":{"rendered":"The Grandest Roadmap of Them All: Post-Elimination Chamber Prediction of WWE WrestleMania 42 Card"},"content":{"rendered":"

Four days removed from the dust settling at <\/span>Elimination Chamber<\/span><\/a>, the road to WrestleMania has finally come into full focus. While the match card initially felt like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces, the fallout from the Chamber has provided some of the clarity fans have been waiting for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Until this past Saturday, the only confirmed matches were <\/span>CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns<\/span><\/a> for the World Heavyweight Championship (pending a win over Finn Balor), and <\/span>Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer<\/span><\/a> for the Women\u2019s World Championship.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fast forward to today, and the card has doubled to four matches. Jade Cargill will defend her WWE Women\u2019s Championship against Rhea Ripley, following the events of Saturday. Meanwhile, after outlasting the field in the Men\u2019s Elimination Chamber match, <\/span>Randy Orton<\/span><\/a> has secured a date with Drew McIntyre for the Undisputed WWE Championship as he looks to capture the fifteenth world title of his career.<\/span><\/p>\n

But it might not be McIntyre who \u201cThe Viper\u201d faces at WrestleMania 42. SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis announced after the show that McIntyre will defend his championship this Friday against Cody Rhodes. This follows \u201cThe Scottish Warrior\u201d interrupting the Chamber match, distracting Rhodes, and allowing Orton to catapult to victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving forward to what many describe as wrestling\u2019s version of the Super Bowl, it couldn\u2019t be clearer that things remain foggy regarding what fans can expect on April 19 and 20. Not all the blame lies with creative, as injuries to Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed have disrupted plans; however, many fans are still questioning the writers’ ability to build a card that people can truly get excited about.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reports suggest WrestleMania is expected to feature between 12 and 16 matches spread across the two nights. With only four officially on the books, time is running out to finalize the rest of the card.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With that in mind, now is the time to officially project the rest of the card while breaking down the logic behind each pick. The fallout from Chicago has finally given us the puzzle pieces we were missing; now, it\u2019s just a matter of seeing how they fit. By the time we reach WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas, many of these high-stakes matchups may very well be set in stone.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Night 1\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Royce Keys vs. Damian Priest: Street Fight\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

This might be a shocking first pick, but this matchup could work with the right storytelling. While WWE creative has failed to capitalize on <\/span>Royce Keys<\/span><\/a> since his Royal Rumble debut, a clash with Damian Priest would be compelling, especially since Keys was the one who eliminated Priest from the Rumble.<\/span><\/p>\n

Creative can incorporate Keys onto the main roster by having him answer Kit Wilson\u2019s open challenge, allowing him to display his impressive physique and dominant style. Afterward, Keys encounters Priest in the locker room to set up a simple, effective rivalry. Priest claims Keys was just lucky at the Royal Rumble, but Keys counters by saying that \u201cPowerhouse\u201d isn\u2019t just an old name, but a promise of the damage he inflicts on anyone in his way.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For Priest, the motive is about catapulting himself back into the title scene where he stood just two years ago, while Keys believes he has everything to prove, and there is no greater place to do so than at WrestleMania. The street fight stipulation is designed to maximize fan engagement, allowing both men to showcase their versatility by blending elite wrestling technique with the chaotic use of chairs and tables.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Usos (c) vs. Logan Paul & Austin Theory: Tag Team Championship Match<\/b><\/h2>\n

Despite things being a bit chaotic for \u201cThe Vision\u201d after the major blows of losing Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed to injury, this match is a perfect opportunity for them to get back on the right path.<\/span><\/p>\n

Despite the fact that some fans aren\u2019t sold on this match, it works, given that Logan Paul and Austin Theory cost Jey Uso his spot in the Elimination Chamber by attacking him. At the same time, The Usos seek revenge on the members of \u201cThe Vision,\u201d and Paul and Theory will be looking to capture Tag Team gold for the first time in their careers.<\/span><\/p>\n

IYO SKY vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Giulia (c): United States Title Match<\/b><\/h2>\n

This matchup has generated a lot of buzz over the past few weeks. <\/span>Giulia <\/span><\/a>was initially set to face IYO SKY on the February 20, 2026, episode of SmackDown; however, SKY\u2019s tag team partner, Rhea Ripley, stepped in to replace her without any official explanation.<\/span><\/p>\n

This has led many to believe that WWE is saving this highly anticipated matchup for a bigger moment, and there is no better stage than WrestleMania. However, just as fans expected a one-on-one showdown, Tiffany Stratton has joined the mix. With no match currently set for the former World Champion, her addition will only intensify the magnitude of the contest and the Women\u2019s United States Championship.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Penta (c) vs. Je\u2019Von Evans: Intercontinental Championship<\/b><\/h2>\n

Now that <\/span>Penta<\/span><\/a> is the new Intercontinental Champion, intrigue surrounding this coveted title has increased dramatically. While many fans originally expected the title picture to revolve around Dominik Mysterio and Finn Balor, things have clearly changed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before Penta and Mysterio collided this past Monday, 21-year-old Je’Von Evans, fresh off his first Elimination Chamber match, declared his interest in becoming the next Intercontinental Champion. If Evans were given the opportunity at WrestleMania and walked away with the gold in hand, it would be the kind of ultimate WrestleMania moment that WWE loves to create.<\/span><\/p>\n

By winning, Evans would become the youngest wrestler to win a championship on the main roster, surpassing Randy Orton, who famously won the World Heavyweight Championship at 24 years old.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Alexa Bliss & Charlotte Flair vs. The Bella Twins vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria: Women\u2019s Tag Team Championship TLC Match\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

For the past several months, WWE has positioned the Women’s Tag Team Titles as one of the most prominent championships in the division. Because of that, the only right decision is to give fans a match that will get them on their feet: a TLC match. The last time we saw the Women’s Tag Team Titles defended in a TLC match was back on December 15, 2019.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each of the challengers has their own clear motive. Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss are desperate to reclaim the titles they feel belong to them. Meanwhile, The Bella Twins are likely on their final WWE run, and Lyra Valkyria is doing whatever it takes to ensure Bayley gets into a match at WrestleMania.<\/span><\/p>\n

Seth Rollins vs. Bron Breakker\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

This matchup, while exciting, still leaves some glaring questions. Bron Breakker is recovering from a hernia injury, and Seth Rollins has yet to be officially cleared following shoulder surgery. There is optimism, however, as recent rumors suggest both may be healthy enough to compete in time.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the event that both are cleared, this match has the potential to be the main event of any WrestleMania. With the fallout from Breakker and Bronson Reed\u2019s <\/span>brutal betrayal<\/span><\/a> still fresh, Rollins is looking to dismantle \u201cThe Vision\u201d and get the ultimate revenge on Breakker.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Night 2\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Carmelo Hayes vs. Ilja Dragunov vs. Matt Cardona vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Tama Tonga vs. Rey Fenix: United States Title Ladder Match\u00a0\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

To kick off the second night of WrestleMania, you have to start with a bang, and there is almost nothing that delivers quite like a ladder match. Each of these six competitors has a lot to prove, with the champion, Carmelo Hayes, at the very top of that list.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Ever since capturing the United States Title from Dragunov on the December 26, 2025, episode of SmackDown, Hayes has successfully defended the gold six times. His motive for his match is to prove to the fans that he truly is \u201cHIM,\u201d a champion capable of defending his belt against several opponents at once, rather than just a single challenger.<\/span><\/p>\n

There is plenty of history between these competitors, from the rivalry between Hayes and Dragunov to the NJPW roots shared by Nakamura and Tama Tonga. Notably, this would be the first ladder match at WrestleMania since WrestleMania 32, a decade ago.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sami Zayn vs. Trick Williams\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

While there has been a lot of criticism regarding storytelling across several angles lately,\u00a0 the story between <\/span>Sami Zayn<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Trick Williams<\/span><\/a> is one that is really resonating with fans.<\/span><\/p>\n

Williams has criticized Sami for \u201cnot being able to get the job done,\u201d and he has enjoyed better luck lately, having successfully qualified for the Elimination Chamber while Zayn fell short.\u00a0 The storytelling for a match between them is simple yet effective: Zayn can prove he still has what it takes by beating Trick and exposing him as a rookie, while Williams can show that Zayn isn’t just a failure, he’s a fraud.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch: Intercontinental Title Match (No Disqualification)\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Following <\/span>AJ Lee\u2019s victory<\/span><\/a> over Becky Lynch this past Saturday at Elimination Chamber, it feels inevitable that Lynch will seek a rematch, and she will likely be granted it. Lee has held the upper hand in this rivalry so far, having submitted Becky at WrestlePalooza, Survivor Series: WarGames, and now at Elimination Chamber.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"A
Photo Credit: By Carter Sterling<\/a> – https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/188354731@N05\/53689955036\/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=148317909<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Lee will likely lean into her flamboyant side given her history, while Lynch remains convinced that her three previous losses were only due to \u201ccheating.\u201d\u00a0 To settle the score, Lee will grant Lynch one final opportunity, defending her Intercontinental Championship in a No Disqualification match to ensure there are no excuses if Lynch falls short once again.<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor: Falls Count Anywhere Match\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Following Dominik Mysterio\u2019s loss to Penta for the Intercontinental Championship this past Monday on Raw, fans are convinced that a feud between Mysterio and Finn Balor is imminent.<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s only a matter of time before Balor turns on The Judgement Day, and specifically, Dominik Mysterio. The two have been butting heads for a while now, and fans are clearly ready to see them finally settle their differences in the ring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making this a Falls Count Anywhere match adds even more spice to what is already an exciting clash between two friends who are destined to become enemies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gunther vs. LA Knight\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

This pick might surprise some, especially given the rumors of a potential showdown between Gunther and Rey Mysterio. At the same time, a match with Rey would certainly make sense, considering Gunther\u2019s current feud with Dragon Lee and the Luchador connection they share. However, a clash between Gunther and LA Knight feels like the more exciting direction.<\/span><\/p>\n

Knight\u2019s motive for challenging Gunther is simple: he\u2019s tired of being looked down upon. Beating the man who retired Goldberg, John Cena, and AJ Styles, all within 12 months, represents the ultimate opportunity to skyrocket his stock toward an eventual title shot. As for Gunther, he likely views Knight as a sideshow, someone who is better at talking than competing in the ring.<\/span><\/p>\n

Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar<\/b><\/h2>\n

Of all the matches on this list, this is likely to get everyone on board. Following Brock Lesnar\u2019s appearance on Raw last week, where his advocate Paul Heyman announced an <\/span>open challenge<\/span><\/a> for WrestleMania, fans immediately pointed to \u201cThe Ruler\u201d Oba Femi as the perfect opponent.<\/span><\/p>\n

During Paul Heyman\u2019s promo segment, the crowd was already chanting Femi\u2019s name. Oba makes perfect sense as an opponent; not only does Creative view him as a cornerstone of the future, but Lesnar was the one who eliminated Femi from this year’s Royal Rumble match.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another element that makes this matchup so compelling is that Femi has not only called this a \u201cdream match\u201d but has even credited Lesnar\u2019s \u201cBeast\u201d persona as the primary inspiration for his own \u201cRuler\u201d character. A victory for Femi would skyrocket his stock, fueling fan hopes for a \u201cKing of the Ring\u201d win and a potential world title win by SummerSlam.<\/span><\/p>\n

While the lights remain dark inside Allegiant Stadium for now, the vision for the WrestleMania 42 card is starting to take shape. If WWE follows the path laid out here, this event won’t just be about who leaves as champion, but about crowning the flag bearers for the company’s future. Las Vegas is a city built on high stakes and big gambles, a spirit this card would perfectly represent and embody.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Four days removed from the dust settling at Elimination Chamber, the road to WrestleMania has finally come into full focus. While the match card initially felt like a jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces, the fallout from the Chamber has provided some of the clarity fans have been waiting for.\u00a0 Until this past Saturday, the only […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5699,"featured_media":154340,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2192,4,3],"tags":[9655],"class_list":["post-154326","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrestling","category-wwe","category-wwe-universe","tag-wwe-wrestlemania-42"],"modified_by":"Michael Joseph Sugue, Manager","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154326","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5699"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154326"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154326\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":154341,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154326\/revisions\/154341"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154326"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154326"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/prowrestling\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154326"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}