Roman Reigns reclaimed the World Heavyweight Championship at WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2, which took place on April 19 in Las Vegas. The event featured thrilling matches, including CM Punk vs. Reigns and notable debuts and returns.
Key points
Roman Reigns reclaimed the World Heavyweight Championship
WrestleMania 42 Night 2 took place on April 19, 2026
CM Punk faced Roman Reigns in the main event
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar had an unexpected ending
Trick Williams made his WrestleMania debut
Mentioned in this story
Roman ReignsCM PunkOba FemiBrock LesnarTrick WilliamsDemon Finn BalorRhea RipleyJade Cargill
LAS VEGAS — What a way to close out the biggest event in WWE.
WrestleMania 42 capped off with night two on Sunday, April 19, and it delivered, redeeming the up-and-down night one to close out the two-day spectacle.
The entire weekend led to the main event in the epic showdown between CM Punk and Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship. The match was a thrilling instant classic that told a spectacular story, and no matter the result, it was going to change the landscape of wrestling.
That wasn't the only big moment of the night. Oba Femi took on Brock Lesnar with an ending not many people saw coming, Trick Williams made his WrestleMania debut, Demon Finn Balor returned and Rhea Ripley and Jade Cargill went at it. Also, you have to see how the Intercontinental Championship ladder match went.
What a night it was for wrestling. USA TODAY Sports followed all of the action from night two of WrestleMania 42:
After getting some last second trash talk in, the main event begins with some lock ups and shoves with taunting sprinkled in. Reigns drops Punk to the mat before throwing him out of the ring, continuing the action outside of it. Punk finds himself on the announcer's table and then throw outside the barricade. Punk regains himself with a flying clothesline, and mocks Reigns' "acknowledge me" pose, resulting in him getting thrown off the announcer's table. Reigns goes for the first pin attempt and Punk quickly kicks out.
Q&A
What were the main results from WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2?
Roman Reigns won the World Heavyweight Championship from CM Punk, while other notable matches included Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar and the Intercontinental Championship ladder match.
When did WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 take place?
WWE WrestleMania 42 Night 2 occurred on April 19, 2026.
What significant moments happened during WrestleMania 42 Night 2?
Key moments included Roman Reigns reclaiming the title, Trick Williams' WrestleMania debut, and the return of Demon Finn Balor.
How did the matches at WrestleMania 42 Night 2 impact the wrestling landscape?
The outcomes, especially Reigns' victory, are expected to significantly alter storylines and rivalries in WWE moving forward.
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The "OTC" continues the attack and when he goes for the Superman punch, Punk avoids and it gets back in control. He's versatile in his offense, and sees the chance to put Reigns to sleep. A bad mistake, as the GTS attempt doesn't work, allowing Reigns to stop the champion.
Reigns does his yell ahead of the spear, and he doesn't see Punk running toward him, catching him by surprise with a running knee. Reigns goes outside of the ring and Punk dives at him before taunting him again. With Reigns laying on the announcer's table, Punk gets the idea to climb the top rope, only for Reigns to get up and take him down. After trading hits, Punk is stuck in the ropes and Reigns has some fun, landing two straight Superman punches. Reigns then hits Punk with the steel steps as Punk bleeds from his forehead.
With Punk down, Reigns clears the announcer's table and send him through it with a powerbomb. He throws Punk in the ring and goes for the spear, but Punk gets up and lands the GTS. He goes for the pin and Reigns kicks out just in time. When he goes for second one, Reigns gets out and finally lands the spear. Punk kicks out of the pin attempt.
Reigns tells Punk to go to sleep as he tries to get up. He goes for his own GTS, but Punk catches it. Punk then mocks Reigns Superman punch and lands it, yet it isn't enough. To add insult to injury, Punk grabs the Ula Fala and puts it on as he mocks Reigns again. When he goes for the spear, Reigns catches him, just for a second and Punk gets the chokehold in. Reigns breaks out of it and instead gets the hold on. Punk breaks it up, but gets caught right back in it. He gets out and they both clothesline each other, both laying on the ground.
They get on their feet and trade punches, and end up back down again. Punk takes off his tape and throws it at him, and when the referee throws it away, Punk gets the low blow. He then gets the GTS and it looks like that's going to do it, but Reigns kicks out just before three. Then Punk puts Reigns on the other announcer's table and leap from the top rope for a stunning elbow drop.
Back in the ring, Punk lands another GTS, and Reigns bounces off the ropes and right back into another. However, Punk doesn't have any strength left to try it again. They again lay on the mat, and Reigns gets up to land the spear.
Exhausted, they get back up, but Reigns has more left in him. Punk doesn't. He runs the ropes and spears Punk again. The champion is out, and Reigns pins him to become World Heavyweight Champion.
Analysis: What. A. Match.
The main event is an absolute classic, delivering in the best way possible to perfectly cap off the night. There were so many outstanding spots, with both stars putting their bodies on the line in every way possible. What really made it incredible was the storytelling in this match. Reigns and Punk had you invested from beginning to end, showing they were going to give it their all in to winning this.
The best part? No help, no distractions. Just a pure wrestling match, what the WWE universe needed.
What's poetic is you realize Reigns was right. Punk was too old, and didn't have anything left to give at the end. Reigns had just enough, and that was the difference in becoming champion. It's the bowtie on what has been an incredible storyline.
You could go either way for the champion, but Reigns takes the title to a whole new level. There's no doubt he is the biggest box office attraction in the business, and he makes the prestige different when he possess the gold. It will be a fun journey to see how this title run is approached, because he won't be dropping it any time soon.
The "OTC' is on top once again.
CM Punk makes epic entrance
It's clobbering time. Punk has another incredible video tribute and emerges without any music. He yells his signature phrase before "Cult of Personality" hits the speakers.
Roman Reigns honors legacy in entrance
The Samoan dynasty gets honored before Reigns emerges down the ramp, and he's back to using his "Tribal Chief" music.
Danhausen interrupts The Miz
When Cena wants to say goodbye, The Miz and Kit Wilson come out to spoil it. The Miz wants a WrestleMania moment, and Cena gives it to him. When he's about to speak, here comes Danhausen.
Danhausen gets the best of The Miz
When he gets to ring for WrestleManiahausen, Danhausen tells Cena he is a "big fanhausen." Wilson and The Miz interrupt, and Danhausen's friends attack Wilson. Then, Danhausen delivers a low blow to The Miz and then gives him a cursed Five-Knuckle Shuffle.
Cena raises Danhausen's hand before he runs away under the ring.
"Retired life is awesome," Cena said with a smile.
John Cena announces night two attendance
The announced crowd is 55,255, meaning the full weekend total attendance is 106,072.
WWE Women's Championship match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
In a battle of power, each star flexes their muscles out of the gate. Cargill is the first one to get an advantage, throwing her opponent around while toying with her in the process. Ripley welcomes it, but she counters it with more athleticism. She tried the Riptide pretty early, and it doesn't work. Cargill tries Jaded and it ends in the same result.
When Ripley starts to get back a rhythm, Michin and B-Fab appear ringside to kill it, attacking the challenger while the referee isn't looking. Cargill is frustrated it isn't enough to put her away, and when Michin and B-Fab try to attack her more, Iyo Sky comes out and helps her friend, taking out Cargill's allies.
There is a flurry of counters from each star, but its Ripley that is able to lock in the Riptide. She lands it, throwing Cargill down with force and pins her to claim the WWE Women's Championship.
Analysis: A match that had the potential to be an incredible match doesn't quite get there, thanks to a rather shorter match, which has been the theme of the weekend.
You could easily figure Cargill's henchwomen were going to get involved, but it happened too early when the competitors weren't able to quite get a real good story yet. But Sky gets to be part of the show to help her friend out. Sure, the match was short, but the final sequence was excellent that took precision from both stars to execute, and they both nailed it.
Cargill's reign as champion was a mixed-bag, and giving it to Ripley isn't a bad move when you know how capable she is of doing real good work with it.
Rhea Ripley entrance
Brutality has entered the ring.
Street fight: Demon Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
The demon persona clearly spooks Mysterio, who is afraid to get close to him. Out of the gate, Bálor is feasting, bringing a Kendo stick to the party. When Bálor tries to take out a table, Mysterio catches his breath and uses the Kendo stick himself. He lands the 619 and goes for the frog splash to finish, but Bálor immediately kicks out, stunning him.
Still, Mysterio is able to keep some control as he brings the table into the ring, and despite some maneuvers, he sends Bálor through a table. He follows it with a 619 with a chair presses against Bálor's head and frog splash, and again, Bálor kicks out. A frustrated Mysterio does multiple chair shots and brings another table in. While setting it up, Bálor gets up and starts pummeling his opponent with a chair. He places it around his neck before executing a drop kick on him.
Bálor places Mysterio on a table and lands Coup de Grâce, the final touches as he gets a successful pin to beat his former friend of The Judgment Day.
Analysis: Another match where there was only one way it would end. The result was cemented when it was announced the demon was coming back, as its a persona that cannot lose when Balor employs it.
This match had enough history where it didn't have to become a street fight, but it did help drive the point in these two are no longer friends. It also helped Mysterio get some offense in that would have been otherwise hard to do in a normal match setting. The demon looked nearly unstoppable − as it should − but the ending felt like it came together too quickly, rather than letting the final touches build towards it.
Balor can now move forward from The Judgment Day storyline and pursue other rivalries on his own, now as a face.
Demon Finn Bálor entrance
The demon is back. Bálor's alter ego returns with an evil entrance.
Dominik Mysterio army entrance
A group of luchadors accompany Mysterio as he emerges from his throne. He waves the Mexican flag as the crowd cheers.
George Kittle, Rob Gronkowski chug beers
The current and former NFL player go toe-to-toe in beer contest.
United States Championship match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
With Lil Yachty ringside, Williams actually plays defense to start before he gets some shots in. The veteran Zayn is dialed in, able to get ahead of any big moves the challenger tries. Lil Yachty attends to his friend, but Zayn attacks him and throws him along the barricade, drawing boos from the crowd.
Zayn feeds into the distaste from the audience, staying in the ring while Williams is outside and down, on the verge of a count out. Williams gets back in the ring, and Zayn readies the Helluva Kick. But while the referee attends to Williams, Lil Yachty sneaks up to hit Zayn. It opens the door for the Trick Shot, yet the pin doesn't work.
The champion gets back on offense and has the Helluva Kick ready, and when he goes for it, Williams meets him midway and lands the Trick Shot instead. This one works, with Williams getting the count and becoming the new United States Champion.
Analysis: Another young star on a meteoric rise, there was only one correct way this could go for Williams. He has a rocket strapped to his back with elite promo skills and continued growth in the ring, so it makes sense to get him some gold. Zayn was the perfect opponent for this to help draw more people toward Williams' favor.
The match itself was another short one, and Lil Yachty had the perfect amount of involvement for a celebrity where he didn't influence the result too much. Zayn got to have some fun as a heel, which could be in the future for him, and Williams got to soak in the moment.
Trick Williams enters first WrestleMania
Williams is oozing aura as the stadium chants "Whoop that Trick." He enters with a massive gown attached to his coat.
Intercontinental Championship ladder match: Penta (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio
Of course, the match starts with mayhem breaking out, with all stars flying in and out of the ring. Rusev and McDonagh are the first ones to try and get the title, but are unsuccessful. The incredible spots come when Evans leaps to take McDonagh off the ladder, and Mysterio lands a 619 to Lee as he is stuck between two ladders.
Mysterio eventually gets into a real flow, including a huge leap over the ropes and onto Rusev on a ladder. After hitting Penta with a 619, he battles with Lee to climb the ladder. Lee gets the upper hand and pays homage to former tag partner AJ Styles by hitting a Styles Clash.
Soon after, Penta and McDonagh are on top of the ladder and The Judgment Day member tries a major suplex. Instead, Penta gets the Mexican Destroyer onto the ladder in a wow spot, leaving everyone down.
Evans is the first one up and as he grabs the title, Rusev knocks him off the ladder to leave him hanging. He tries to set himself up for victory, but there's Evans, leaping from a ladder outside of the ring an insane flying OG Cutter.
Penta comes back to give Evans a Mexican Destroyer, and all alone, he climbs the ladder successfully to grab his title and retain.
Analysis: Everyone knew this match could cook, and it delivered an incredible dish.
There was nothing off limits as every star played to their strengths in this captivating match that had you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There were so many amazing spots from start to finish, you just have to appreciate the work they all did to put on an amazing show.
You could make a case for several of the stars to win, but Penta is just too hot right now to take the title away from him. He also was allowed to defend it well, rather than just sneaking his way to victory. If there was to be an MVP of the match, it certainly was Evans, who was indeed bouncy and showed why there's so much potential for him.
Rey Mysterio, Penta entrances
The two masked luchadors get special welcomes and gear. Mysterio rocks a Deadpool-inspired costume, and Penta walks out with a Samurai mask.
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
The electricity is palpable as the night starts with the highly anticipated match. After a brief lockup, Lesnar tries to drive Femi into the turnbuckle, only for his opponent to withstand it. Lesnar is shocked, and he is unable to take him down while Femi sends him down the mat, forcing Lesnar to re-group out of the ring.
Femi tried to drag Lesnar back into the ring, but it doesn't work and opens the window for Lesnar to throw him around. He connects with multiple suplexes, and hits an F5. However, Femi gets up and surprises him with a slam. He then delivers a powerbomb to slam Lesnar into the ring. He gets the pin and slays the "Beast Incarnate."
Analysis: For everyone watching on ESPN, you just saw the future of wrestling.
There may be no hotter rising star than Femi. He commands the audience the moment the music hits, and there was no better way to showcase his future than pretty much squashing a power like Lesnar. This match showed Femi is unlike anyone that Lesnar has faced, and him getting up from the F5 proved he is a megastar.
It was the only move WWE could do. Having Femi lose would have been a major miss and stunted his growth, but WWE does the right thing in putting him over.
Brock Lesnar hints retirement, emotional in ring
Is Lesnar done in the ring?
After losing, Lesnar takes off his gloves and boots as he can't hide the tears. Paul Heyman enters the ring and the two share an embrace, with Heyman holding his arm in the air as the crowd gives him an ovation. Lesnar then salutes the crowd and actually gives thanks to some of the fans ringside, seemingly waving goodbye.
Oba Femi enters WrestleMania debut
Goosebumps. The crowd is hyped to see "The Ruler" as "Oba" echoes through Allegiant Stadium.
John Cena kicks off show
The host of WrestleMania is back to start the night, bringing in the new theme for the second half of the show.
Who sang national anthem at WrestleMania?
Joe Jonas sung the national anthem at night two. The Jonas Brothers member is a WWE fan.
When is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 night two is on Sunday, April 19, taking place after night one happened on Saturday, April 18.
WrestleMania 42 night 2 start time
WrestleMania 42 night two starts at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT. Coverage begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.
How to watch WrestleMania 42 night 2
The first hour of WrestleMania 42 – the first two matches – will be on ESPN and ESPN's streaming service.
Afterward, WrestleMania 42 will stream exclusively on ESPN's streaming service. Viewers can sign up for a subscription to the site here, which starts at $29.99 a month.
ESPN's service is available through select cable and TV packages, including:
WrestleMania is only available on Netflix internationally. It will not be on Netflix for U.S. audiences.
Where is WrestleMania 42?
WrestleMania 42 takes place at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, home of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders.
WrestleMania 42 night 2 match card
Matches not in order
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar (on ESPN)
**Intercontinental Championship ladder match:**Penta (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio (on ESPN)
Street fight: Demon Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
**United States Championship match:**Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
**WWE Women's Championship match:**Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
World Heavyweight Championship match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
When is WrestleMania 42 preshow?
The WrestleMania 42 preshow begins at 3 p.m. ET/noon PT.
How to watch WrestleMania 42 preshow
The preshow will be available to stream for free on YouTube and WWE's social media channels. It will also be available to stream on ESPN's streaming service.
WrestleMania 42 night 2 predictions
What happens on night two? See the full predictions here.
Oba Femi vs. Brock Lesnar
Jordan Mendoza: Oba Femi
Richard Morin: Oba Femi
Intercontinental Championship ladder match: Penta (c) vs. Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh vs. Dragon Lee vs. Rusev vs. Rey Mysterio
Jordan Mendoza: Penta
Richard Morin: Penta
Demon Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio
Jordan Mendoza: Finn Bálor
Richard Morin: Finn Bálor
United States Championship match: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Trick Williams
Jordan Mendoza: Trick Williams
Richard Morin: Trick Williams
WWE Women's Championship match: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
Jordan Mendoza: Rhea Ripley
Richard Morin: Rhea Ripley
World Heavyweight Championship match: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
Jordan Mendoza: Roman Reigns
Richard Morin: CM Punk
Who won at WrestleMania 42 night 1? Full results
Here are the results from night one. See everything that happened here.
Undisputed WWE Championship match: Cody Rhodes def. Randy Orton
Women's World Championship match: Liv Morgan def. Stephanie Vaquer
Gunther def. Seth Rollins
Women's Intercontinental Championship match: Becky Lynch def. AJ Lee
WWE Women's Tag Team Championship fatal four-way match: Brie Bella and Paige def. Nia Jax and Lash Legend, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair, Lyra Valkyria and Bayley
Unsanctioned match: Jacob Fatu def. Drew McIntyre
LA Knight, Jimmy Uso and Jey Uso def. IShowSpeed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory
What else happened at WrestleMania 42 night 1?
John Cena serves as host of WrestleMania
IShowSpeed does frog splash on Logan Paul onto announcer’s table after post-match attack
Paige returned to WWE for her first match since 2017, replacing the injured Nikki Bella
Bron Breakker returns from injury, attacks Seth Rollins to help Gunther win
Bianca Belair appears to announce pregnancy
Demon Finn Bálor vs. Dominik Mysterio made a street fight
There will be no rules when the demon returns to the ring. Raw general manager Adam Pearce announces during the preshow Bálor vs. Mysterio will be a street fight.
WrestleMania 42 stage
One thing that always makes WrestleMania feel like a big-time event is the stage, and while not as massive as WrestleMania 41, this year’s set up does still meet the moment.
The WrestleMania42stage takes inspiration from the night one theme, which features a post-apocalyptic branding. It has two stands set up to the side of where the stars will emerge from. One new addition is the massive screen behind the stage.
Who is host of WrestleMania 42?
The greatest of all-time is back at WrestleMania.
Recently retired John Cena is the host of WrestleMania 42, returning to the site where he won his record-setting 17th WWE Championship. It is his first WWE appearance since his retirement in December, and he hosted the first night and will be back for the second night.
With Reigns set to face longtime rival CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship, it now makes it an 11th WrestleMania main event for him, extending a WWE record. Not only does he have the record, but 2026 will mark the sixth straight year he's in the main event picture.
WWE PLE schedule 2026
The WWE calendar essentially flips with the conclusion of WrestleMania. Here is the upcoming schedule for the premium live events as of Sunday, April 19
Backlash: May 9 (Tampa, Florida)
Clash in Italy: May 31 (Turin, Italy)
SummerSlam: Aug. 1-2 (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Money in the Bank: Sept. 6 (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Oba Femi's destiny is taking over WWE
Oba Femi thinks he sucks.
Sounds harsh, but that’s just how he approaches his work. He doesn't buy into any of his stock.
“I never want to think I'm bigger than I am. I always want to believe I suck,” Femi told USA TODAY Sports in December. “I think you have to be your greatest critic. You have to tell yourself you suck all the time.”
For as negative as it sounds, Femi admits you should give yourself some flowers once in a while. Even if he barely does, there are plenty around the WWE world that are throwing full-on bouquets at him.
