WrestleMania 42 featured a mix of highs and lows across its 13 matches, with night two being particularly exceptional. Experts have ranked and graded each match based on performance.
WWE's flagship event has concluded, and wrestling fans around the world have plenty of thoughts about how the two-day event unfolded. Being the top show in the company, it's expected every match to be top tier â and some definitely were â its not the case for others. Night one had some up-and-down performances, but night two turned out to be an exceptional show to end the weekend on the right note.
Now that all 13 matches are completed, its time to rank all of them, and grade how they did. USA TODAY Sports wrestling experts Jordan Mendoza and Richard Morin state their case for which fights were the best and which ones fell short.
WrestleMania showcases a mix of highâprofile matchups and crowdâdriven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and postâmatch celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
Q&A
What were the best matches at WrestleMania 42?
The best matches at WrestleMania 42 were highlighted by wrestling experts who ranked them based on performance and crowd reaction.
How did WrestleMania 42 night one compare to night two?
Night one of WrestleMania 42 had some up-and-down performances, while night two was considered an exceptional show that concluded the event positively.
Who are the experts ranking the matches from WrestleMania 42?
The matches from WrestleMania 42 were ranked by USA TODAY Sports wrestling experts Jordan Mendoza and Richard Morin.
What were the overall grades for the matches at WrestleMania 42?
The overall grades for the matches at WrestleMania 42 varied, reflecting the differing performances and audience engagement throughout the event.
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LA Knight lands a punch against Logan Paul on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Austin Theory, IShowSpeed and Logan Paul enter the arena during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
LA Knight enters the ring on the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The Usos enters the ring during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
John Cena enters the ring at the start of the first night to host WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Building wraps for WrestleMania 42 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 18th and 19th.
1 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
WrestleMania showcases a mix of highâprofile matchups and crowdâdriven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and postâmatch celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
1 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
WrestleMania showcases a mix of highâprofile matchups and crowdâdriven moments across its biggest stages.
See scenes from WrestleMania as competition unfolds and postâmatch celebrations follow.
Above, LA Knight celebrates alongside The Usos following their pinfall victory over The Vision and IShowSpeed on Night One of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on April 18, 2026.
2 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
LA Knight lands a punch against Logan Paul on night one of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
3 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
Austin Theory, IShowSpeed and Logan Paul enter the arena during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
4 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
LA Knight enters the ring on the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
5 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
The Usos enters the ring during the first night of WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
6 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
John Cena enters the ring at the start of the first night to host WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
7 / 7
WrestleMania 42 delivers the biggest WWE moments, wins and emotion
Building wraps for WrestleMania 42 are shown on the exterior of Allegiant Stadium on April 17, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WWE's flagship event will be held at the venue on April 18th and 19th.
Jordan Mendoza';'s WrestleMania 42 match rankings, grades
1. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk
Grade: A+
Cinema. A fantastic story told from beginning to end, with pure wrestling and no interference for one of the best main events.
2. Intercontinental Championship ladder match
Grade: A+
There were too many highlights to keep track of. This match had show-stealing potential and it does just that.
3. Gunther vs. Seth Rollins
Grade: A
No long-term storyline needed when two great in-ring performers go at it. Ending set the stage for Rollins' next feud while keeping Gunther dominant.
4. Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
Grade: A-
This match could have been more brutal given the heat, but had just enough to be worthy of not having any rules.
5. Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Grade: A-
The best a squash match could get. The energy was unreal and truly showed Femi is the next superstar.
6. Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill
Grade: A-
Power vs. power plays for a fun one, and Cargill does well, but this one felt a little rushed. More time could have made this one a banger.
7. AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch
Grade: B+
Getting Jessika Carr involved was a brilliant touch. Lynch needed a creative way to get past Lee and it helped differentiate this match from the earlier rounds.
8. Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn
Grade: B
Williams' being so over carried the match. Wrestling wasn't much.
9. Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Grade: B-
The feud doesn't live up to the match. This had a good start and good ending, but in-between it felt like it dragged.
10. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Grade: C+
What an odd title match. It was incredibly slow and no real rhythm, and it was hard to stay focused on it. The ending was able to redeem it.
11. Demon Finn BĂĄlor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Grade: C
It wasn't necessary to make this match a street fight, especially since everyone knew what the result would be. The demon persona was great to see again.
12. WWE Women's Tag Team Championship fatal four-way match
Grade: C
Paige back is great, but there wasn't really much to get excited about when the bell rang.
13. LA Knight and The Usos vs. IShowSpeed and The Vision
Grade: C-
IShowSpeed was the attraction, and he didn't really do much in it. What happened after the match was better than the match itself.
Penta celebrates after defeating JeâVon Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Rey Mysterio in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Penta celebrates after defeating JeâVon Evans, Dragon Lee, JD McDonagh, Rusev and Rey Mysterio in the Intercontinental Championship Ladder match during WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Richard Morin's WrestleMania 42 match rankings, grades
1. Intercontinental Championship ladder match
Grade: A+
Flawless spot-fest where everyone had their moment. Incredibly entertaining.
2. Roman Reigns vs. CM Punk
Grade: A
Finish was a touch awkward, but otherwise excellent match.
3. Gunther vs. Seth Rollins
Grade: A
Short build but managed a great match to set up intriguing future storylines.
4. Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Grade: A
A crowning achievement for Femi, and a shocking moment for Lesnar.
5. Rhea Ripley vs. Jade Cargill
Grade: A-
Lackluster build paid off with a great match, exquisite finish.
6. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton
Grade: B
Despite confusing booking, solid in-ring action and post-match drama and cliffhanger.
7. Trick Williams vs. Sami Zayn
Grade: B
Predictable but fine.
8. LA Knight and The Usos vs. IShowSpeed and The Vision
Grade: B
Satisfying viral moment; match did its job.
9. Demon Finn BĂĄlor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Grade: B-
Would have been better without "The Demon" advertised.
10. Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre
Grade: C+
OK spots, but too tame for an unsanctioned match.
11. Becky Lynch vs. AJ Lee
Grade: C+
Referee spot was a weird choice here, that was mostly relevant to Becky's feud with Maxxine Dupri.
12. WWE Women's Tag Team Championship fatal four-way match
Grade: C
Force-fed nostalgia bait; not great in-ring work.
13. Liv Morgan vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Grade: C-
Great build ruined by terrible in-ring booking; match was far too short for what it deserved. Fell entirely flat despite above-average talent.
