Predicting WWE Legends and Celebrity Appearances at WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania season is the most important time of year for WWE, but hardcore wrestling fans know they must be patient, as this is when most casual supporters come out of the woodwork to watch the product.

For the WWE Universe that tunes in every week, the product becomes almost unrecognizable, as Triple H and company depend heavily on legend and celebrity appearances to garner the mainstream attention needed to make WrestleMania a success.

Here are the legend and celebrity appearances wrestling fans should expect in Las Vegas.

Bad Bunny

There is no better option for WWE to book for their biggest show than Bad Bunny. The lifelong wrestling fan previously stepped into the ring for the company on several occasions, taking his opportunity seriously and exceeding everyone's expectations with memorable performances at two WrestleManias, the Royal Rumble, and Backlash in Puerto Rico.

As big as Bad Bunny's appearances were in the past, his global importance has only grown since his last WWE appearance. In addition to an even wider audience of fans for his music, his recent Super Bowl halftime performance was a polarizing event that only increased his notoriety.

WrestleMania thrives on crossover appeal, and Bunny bridges multiple audiences in a way that would boost media coverage. A 2026 appearance in a match, performance, or surprise segment would instantly create a viral moment and make the event feel like a true pop-culture spectacle.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

It's time for The Rock to come home. After the absolute travesty of a storyline involving Dwayne Johnson and the John Cena heel turn on Cody Rhodes, The Rock should be looking for redemption in the form of an appearance at WrestleMania 42.

From a mainstream attention perspective, Johnson is one of the most recognizable movie stars on the planet, with the unique ability to bridge the gap between wrestling and mainstream entertainment that no one else can. An appearance from The Rock guarantees viral moments, media coverage, and a surge in casual viewers, all of which WWE needs at this time of year.

From a storyline perspective, the return of Roman Reigns and the unfinished business surrounding the Anoa'i family legacy give Johnson the perfect opportunity to not only appear at WrestleMania 42 but also set the stage for a year-long feud with his cousin that would culminate at WrestleMania 43.

Jelly Roll

As country singer Jelly Roll prepared to make his wrestling debut at SummerSlam 2025, many wrestling fans were skeptical of what he would do. Even in a losing effort, he showed that he took the opportunity seriously and made the most of it with memorable spots alongside Randy Orton.

WrestleMania has become a mainstream spectacle, with the company obsessed with viral moments and social media buzz. Jelly Roll has a passionate, diverse fanbase that overlaps with wrestling's audience, blending country, rock, and hip-hop appeal. Add in his story of struggle and redemption, and adding him to the card would be a WWE move through and through.

As for what Jelly Roll could do during his appearance, a live musical performance, an emotional promo, or even a physical angle involving Logan Paul—based on their previous interactions—would generate major buzz.

For more wrestling talk, listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot topics or catch the latest episode in the player above (some language NSFW).