Forecasting WWE Men's Main Event Scene For WrestleMania 42
As WWE reaches the halfway point in 2025, its biggest storylines are coming together and we can see some of the paths to WrestleMania 42.
The company will return to MetLife Stadium to host SummerSlam on Aug. 2-3. The first two-night installment of the annual event will advance the top stories and position notable Superstars for success for the rest of the year.
It's still a bit early to predict how the card for The Showcase of the Immortals will come together. So much could happen before the 2026 Royal Rumble, but we can start to speculate about what the main event scene will look like by then.
Will Seth Rollins return in time to capitalize on his win in the men's Money in the Bank ladder match? Can Roman Reigns finally reenter the title picture before WWE takes over Las Vegas for a second consecutive year?
These are just a few of the most prevalent questions as we forecast the main event scene ahead of WrestleMania 42.
Sami Zayn
1 of 5
Right now, Sami Zayn has to be a favorite to win the men's Royal Rumble in January.
It can't be a coincidence that WWE keeps emphasizing he hasn't accomplished his goal of winning a world title. The Canadian still has unfinished business with Seth Rollins, who could cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase before April and set up an eventual confrontation with him.
Zayn is also consistently one of the most popular Superstars during events in Saudi Arabia.
So, it would make perfect sense for him to win the first Rumble to take place in Riyadh and punch his ticket to WrestleMania 42.
This could be next year's feel-good story heading into the event, and there is so much potential for a memorable moment on The Grandest Stage of Them All.
Seth Rollins
2 of 5
Although Seth Rollins should be a no-brainer following his Money in the Bank win, we're not sure what to expect now.
The Visionary seemingly suffered a serious knee injury during the latest episode of Saturday Night's Main Event. But the conflicting reports about the situation have left many of us wondering if this really is an ill-timed SNAFU or planned time off.
With that in mind, Rollins could still be a threat to John Cena and Gunther at SummerSlam. Even if the briefcase doesn’t factor into plans for The Biggest Party of the Summer, one would have to assume the 39-year-old will attempt to be back in time for WrestleMania.
His victory over Roman Reigns and CM Punk at the event this year set him up as a contender, but time will tell if he can reenter Allegiant Stadium as a champion in 2026.
Cody Rhodes
3 of 5
Cody Rhodes is on pace to make his fourth consecutive main event appearance at WrestleMania 42.
The second-generation star is still the most likely opponent to defeat John Cena for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Even more, he has been the top protagonist in the company since he returned and unseated Reigns at WrestleMania 40.
If Cena passes the torch to him to end his career, it's hard to imagine he won't compete in the main event or the world title picture again. That may not be an exciting prospect for some fans, but it's not hard to see why WWE remains invested in one of its top merchandise sellers and a proven draw.
It's smart to keep relying on its hottest stars while WWE builds up new ones such as Bron Breakker and Jacob Fatu.
CM Punk
4 of 5
At SummerSlam, CM Punk will challenge Gunther for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.
It's been a turbulent year for the polarizing star, but he has the chance to win championship gold with the company for the first time since 2013. This seems like it has been a long time coming because he has been a central character on Raw, but there's still a chance Rollins could intervene.
Nevertheless, Punk also seems destined to face Rhodes at WrestleMania. The two have been circling each other since he returned to WWE in 2023, and The American Nightmare eliminated him to win the men's Royal Rumble match the following year.
This is the most significant contest left for Rhodes, and 2026 is the ideal time to commit to it. If The Second City Saint doesn't win the world title at SummerSlam, he could be a safe pick to win the men's Rumble match.
Roman Reigns
5 of 5
Roman Reigns will inevitably headline WrestleMania 42, but his opponent is much tougher to predict.
The OTC has been the centerpiece at the event for five years in a row. This impressive feat helped him secure the record for the most main event appearances at The Show of Shows with 10.
After seven years of anticipation, his dream match with The Rock could finally happen, but it's starting to feel like now or never. Both men aren't getting any younger, and The Final Boss' schedule hasn't slowed down.
The lingering consequences of his time as The Tribal Chief have kept Reigns busy for the past year, but he doesn't need a title match to be relevant. He is popular enough to remain a special attraction, but we will have to wait and see who joins him on The Island of Relevancy.
