WWE WrestleMania 42 Lineup Revealed: ESPN Pushed for Brock Lesnar, IShowSpeed Teams with Logan Paul, CM Punk’s Pipe Bomb Shakes Ticket Sales
With just over one week until WrestleMania 42, WWE has unveiled the full two-night lineup — and new details have emerged that ESPN specifically pushed for Brock Lesnar to be featured on the traditional broadcast platform. At the same time, CM Punk’s explosive “pipe bomb” promo criticizing ticket prices continues to reverberate through the industry.
The showcase of the immortals will air across two nights, with the first two matches each night broadcasting on ESPN before shifting to ESPN’s streaming service for the remainder of the card.
Night One (Saturday) Lineup
MatchStipulation
IShowSpeed & Logan Paul & Austin Theory vs. The Usos & LA Knight Six-man tag team match
Drew McIntyre vs. Jacob Fatu Unsanctioned Match
Remaining matches streaming on ESPN+
Night Two (Sunday) Lineup
MatchStipulation
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar Singles match
Men’s Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match : Multiple participants
Remaining matches streaming on ESPN+
ESPN’s Role: Lesnar Was a Network Request
According to WrestleVotes Radio on Fightful Select, ESPN pushed for Brock Lesnar to be included in the package of matches showcased on the traditional ESPN platform. WWE was reportedly happy to accommodate the request.
Lesnar, a part-time performer who has headlined multiple WrestleManias, remains one of the few crossover stars who moves the needle with casual audiences. His match against Oba Femi — a rising NXT standout — is an intriguing clash of generations: the established beast versus the new monster.
ESPN’s interest in Lesnar makes strategic sense. The network has been increasing its wrestling coverage, and a recognizable name like Lesnar draws viewers who might not otherwise tune in for a full night of wrestling.
Celebrity Involvement: IShowSpeed Teams with Logan Paul
Night One features a heavy dose of celebrity involvement. IShowSpeed, the popular streamer and YouTuber, will team with Logan Paul and Austin Theory to face The Usos and LA Knight.
The match represents WWE’s continued strategy of integrating internet personalities into major events. IShowSpeed has appeared on WWE programming before, but a WrestleMania match is a significant escalation. Logan Paul, who has transitioned from YouTube controversy to a legitimate in-ring performer, will likely carry much of the in-ring workload for his team.
CM Punk’s Pipe Bomb: Ticket Prices in the Crosshairs
CM Punk recently cut a promo — a “pipe bomb” in wrestling parlance — that aimed at WrestleMania ticket prices. The work-shoot segment blurred the line between storyline and reality, with Punk criticizing the cost of attending the showcase event.
The promo has generated significant buzz, though it remains unclear whether WWE will incorporate the ticket price criticism into ongoing storylines or whether it was a one-off comment designed to generate social media engagement.
Ticket prices for major WWE events have increased substantially in recent years, with WrestleMania now rivaling the Super Bowl in terms of secondary market pricing. Punk’s comments resonated with fans who feel priced out of attending live events.
Rey Mysterio Returns for Ladder Match
Rey Mysterio, who recently returned from injury, has been added to the Men’s Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match on Night Two. The legendary luchador’s inclusion adds star power and veteran experience to what is typically one of the most dangerous and exciting matches on the card.
Mysterio has won the Intercontinental Championship twice in his career, most recently in 2020. A third reign would add to his already Hall of Fame-worthy resume.
Asuka vs. IYO SKY Speculation
As of this writing, Night One has seven announced matches while Night Two has six. There is speculation that Asuka vs. IYO SKY will be added to balance both nights at seven matches each.
The potential match between the two Japanese stars would be a technical showcase. Both are former champions with deep histories in Japan before coming to WWE. Asuka is a Grand Slam champion; IYO SKY is a former Women’s Champion and a standout in the ring. Adding this match would strengthen an already deep card.
John Cena Hosts
John Cena will serve as the host of WrestleMania 42, a role he has filled before. The 16-time world champion is in the twilight of his in-ring career but remains one of WWE’s most recognizable faces. His hosting duties will likely include backstage segments, promo work, and potentially an in-ring appearance.
The Bigger Picture
WrestleMania 42 arrives at a fascinating moment for WWE. The company has stabilized its attendance and viewership after years of decline. Still, questions remain about its ability to create new stars who can carry the company after the current part-time legends — Lesnar, Cena, Punk, Orton — fully step away.
The card reflects that tension. Lesnar and Cena are part-time attractions. Punk is in his 40s. The celebrity matches draw outside attention but don’t build long-term stars. The matches that will define the next era — Oba Femi vs. Lesnar (if Femi wins or looks strong), the Intercontinental Ladder Match (which always elevates multiple participants), and the potential Asuka vs. IYO SKY — are buried deeper on the card or still speculative.
Still, WrestleMania is about spectacle as much as wrestling. And by that measure, WWE has assembled a diverse, star-studded, and conversation-generating lineup.
Follow and subscribe for push notifications on the latest WrestleMania 42 news, match updates, and backstage reports.
Writer: Sam Michael