Want more wrestling news, rumors, and results? Be sure to visit PWInsider.com and PWInsiderXtra.com.
Why WWE Moved WrestleMania 42 from New Orleans
In February, The Rock appeared on WWE television to announce that WrestleMania was headed back to New Orleans. Now, just months later, fans are surprised to learn that WWE has pulled out of the city for the April 11–12 dates.
The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation has since released a statement indicating all is well—New Orleans is now set to host Money in the Bank in 2026. Still, the sudden change suggests this was a recent and unexpected development.
With plans shifting, fan attention is turning to what the updated card and venue might mean for top stars. One name generating a lot of buzz is CM Punk. Since returning at Survivor Series 2023, Punk has been chasing WWE’s top titles, but the enemies he's made along the way have kept him just out of reach. Sites like Gambling.com are expected to track betting odds and fan interest around Punk’s chances and other WrestleMania outcomes.
This year, Punk is set to headline WrestleMania in a high-stakes Triple Threat match with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. While no championships are currently on the line, the animosity between the three has made it a can't-miss showdown. Looking ahead, many believe Punk is a strong bet to re-enter the title picture. After falling short in the Royal Rumble two years in a row, 2026 could be his year—whether by winning the Rumble or walking into WrestleMania as champion.
As for the venue change, current speculation points to a return to Las Vegas. Why the sudden switch from New Orleans? The answer seems clear: the business WWE generated with WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium was massive. With approximately 125,000 fans in attendance, it became the most successful and highest-grossing event in the company's history.
At the moment, WWE’s official ticketing calendar lists no events for April. Reports suggest a concert is scheduled at Allegiant Stadium—likely site of WrestleMania 42—on or around April 11–12, which may require some logistical adjustments or a slight date shift.
The Las Vegas Advantage
As mentioned, it’s quite clear why Las Vegas is a desirable location for WWE: they made a lot of money. That’s as simple as it gets—switch Vegas in favor of New Orleans, and there’s more than likely more money to be had.
Las Vegas is a massive tourist destination, so the move there makes sense. There’s tourism, massive exposure, the stadium is huge, and there’s the LV Convention Center that can host events like WWE World and hold autograph signings, merchandise, and more.
During WrestleMania 41, the entire city was decorated in WWE garb, similar to if the Super Bowl were in town.
Also, it’s worth mentioning that the airports in Vegas run constantly, allowing for more fan flexibility.
With so many fans hitting Vegas over two days, local businesses and corporations also saw a boon in their revenues.
It’s a win-win all around for everyone. The WWE crushed in Las Vegas.
Could it happen two years in a row? Will there be some fatigue for another Las Vegas WrestleMania? That remains to be seen.
Fan & Industry Reactions
The WWE fans are some of the most dedicated and die-hard ones out there, so with news like this, there’s plenty of reaction. Most of it is either not in favor of this move, while others seem more apathetic.
“This company has genuinely killed WWE,” one person wrote, referencing TKO, the parent company of WWE.
“Same city for Mania two years in a row when there are so many places to take WrestleMania is a choice,” someone else said on X about WrestleMania 42.
“Well, at least it’s not Saudi,” someone else said on X. Saudi Arabia will be the site of the Royal Rumble in 2026. They may not get to see the wrestling mania live that is WrestleMania, but they’ll still have a massive event there.
Part of this reaction could stem from the ticket prices for the event, which ranged from at least $1,000 to tens of thousands for premium seating.
Historical WrestleMania Venue Changes
While this move may stun some, this isn’t the first time WWE has changed the site of WrestleMania. Back in 1991, WrestleMania 7 was originally set to take place at the massive Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. However, it was moved to the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena.
It was rumored that the switch happened due to security concerns over one of the characters, Sgt. Slaughter, but other outlets have reported it was due to bad ticket sales.
However, WrestleMania 42 is different in that there was a massive announcement by The Rock on television, and now it’s changed.
It’s as if they saw the business potential in Vegas and tried to figure out a way to get out of New Orleans and go back.
So, yes, this move is quite unprecedented.
What to Expect at WrestleMania 42 in Vegas
WWE is a weekly television show, so creative plans can change at any time between now and WrestleMania 42. However, there are some potential matches we can anticipate.
Given the current storyline of Paul Heyman aligning himself with Seth Rollins, I’d anticipate a potential clash with Roman Reigns. This could also include C.M. Punk, who Heyman was aligned with after Reigns but before Rollins.
These two go back over a decade as they entered the WWE together as “The Shield” faction.
Additionally, Bo Dallas, the brother of the late great Bray Wyatt, who sometimes wrestles as his alter-ego Uncle Howdy, has been medically cleared.
He’s in the Wyatt Sicks faction, and a spectacle involving them at WrestleMania 42 could be quite intriguing.
From there, I’d expect to see other superstars like Jacob Fatu, Rhea Ripley, Bron Breakker, Logan Paul, and others be involved.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I can see why fans wouldn’t be happy with this move, but at the end of the day, WWE is a business. If they’re able to replicate the success from WrestleMania 41, it’ll be a smashing success. That said, there is potential for some fatigue as it’s uncommon for WrestleMania to be at the same location two years in a row.
That said, sound off in the comments below or on social media to express your thoughts on this move. This is certainly something WWE fans are not used to witnessing.
If you enjoy PWInsider.com you can check out the AD-FREE PWInsider Elite section, which features exclusive audio updates, news, our critically acclaimed podcasts, interviews and more by clicking here!
Bang On Casino
