WrestleMania 42 is coming, but WWE looks like it may repeat last year’s mistakes by using celebrities and part-timers to build big storylines. Fans and people backstage worry this focus will hurt the quality of wrestling shows.
Last year’s controversial finish
At last year’s WrestleMania main event, musician Travis Scott appeared during the match between John Cena and Cody Rhodes. Scott interfered, distracted Cody Rhodes, and helped John Cena win the WWE Championship. The appearance followed Cena’s heel turn that started at the Elimination Chamber in 2025. The Rock also made a short appearance to help set the turn in motion.
Fans and many wrestlers criticized the finish. Travis Scott did not take part in WWE training or regular TV storylines after that night. Plans to build toward a full match with Scott were dropped. Many felt the main event felt unfinished and relying on celebrity moments made the payoff weak.
Celebrities lined up for WrestleMania 42
WWE is again placing celebrities into top storylines for WrestleMania 42. Names reported to be involved include Pat McAfee, Jelly Roll, iShowSpeed, and Lil Yachty. Pat McAfee has been part of the main event story between Randy Orton and Cody Rhodes, and Jelly Roll has been a frequent presence on SmackDown.
Reports from UFCcoverage say WWE is using McAfee because of his crossover appeal and his connection to ESPN. WWE leaders want big names to bring attention and sell tickets. But ticket sales remain slow for reasons like high prices, the event being in the same city as last year, and other outside factors.
Why fans and talent are worried
Many fans say the mix of celebrities and short TV appearances has already damaged how people feel about the product. Instead of giving time to full-time wrestlers, WWE is using quick celebrity spots that do not build real stars. Critics point to 2023 to 2025 as a period where strong booking of full-time talent created real momentum for WWE. That period made new stars and gave storylines room to grow.
There is concern that the trend will continue. Some fear a future where WrestleMania main events feature celebrities versus celebrities instead of top wrestlers. That would mirror part of what has happened in boxing and MMA, where influencer fights took attention from regular fighters.
What to watch next
WWE must decide if it will keep pushing celebrities or return focus to full-time wrestlers and longer stories. WrestleMania 43 in Saudi Arabia is expected to include even more legends and part-timers, which adds to the worry.
Fans should watch how WWE books the next few weeks of Raw and SmackDown. The response to celebrity appearances, ticket sales trends, and backstage reaction will show whether WWE has learned from last year or plans to repeat the same approach.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| John Cena | Won WWE Championship at WrestleMania after celebrity interference |
| Cody Rhodes | Lost WWE Championship match at WrestleMania |
