WrestleMania 42 plans have undergone major revisions, with Roman Reigns reportedly influencing matchups to face Cody Rhodes again, shifting from earlier ideas involving CM Punk and Bron Breakker. This comes amid updates on AJ Lee's selective WWE appearances, Chris Jericho hinting at a 2026 wrestling comeback, and the heartbreaking passing of CM Punk's beloved dog Larry.
Roman Reigns Rematch Demand Reshapes Mania Card
Initial WrestleMania 42 bookings as of early November eyed Roman Reigns against Bron Breakker and Cody Rhodes versus CM Punk, but Reigns pushed for a trilogy bout with Rhodes, likely on Night 2. Earlier concepts included Reigns versus Seth Rollins post-Mania, derailed by Rollins' injury, which accelerated Bloodline tensions. Hosts speculate this could lead to Punk rematching Breakker after their January Netflix event, praising Breakker's raw promo style reminiscent of Scott Steiner while noting Reigns-Cody's history of delivering epic, polarizing main events.
AJ Lee's WWE Return: Selective Schedule Confirmed
AJ Lee, fresh off WarGames involvement and aiding Maxxine Dupri's IC title win, appears set for a part-time WWE role rather than full-time commitment. Reports from Sean Ross Sapp indicate her post-Survivor Series absence signals periodic pops, avoiding burnout after past frustrations voiced in a Stephanie McMahon interview. Fans anticipate her at big shows like the Netflix anniversary, savoring guaranteed crowd reactions without overexposure.
Chris Jericho's Cryptic 2026 Wrestling Tease
Veteran Chris Jericho, speaking on the Tim Weisberg show, dodged specifics on his future but affirmed, "I'm not done yet," promising ring action in 2026 amid speculation of a WWE return post-AEW contract. Despite recent criticisms of gimmicks like the Learning Tree, hosts highlight Jericho's reinvention history—from "The List" to tag pursuits—positioning him for midcard chaos under Triple H, potentially debuting at Royal Rumble.
Heartbreaking Tribute: CM Punk Mourns Larry the Dog
CM Punk shared a poignant farewell to his nearly 11-year-old rescue dog Larry, adopted with AJ Lee from PAWS Chicago in 2015, who passed peacefully surrounded by family. Punk reflected on Larry's joyful life—chasing skateboards, turning venues into home—and the profound grief of unconditional love, noting his absence echoes through quiet footsteps and jangling tags. Wrestling fans cherished Larry's cameos, from AEW ring laps to social media antics, with hosts offering condolences amid shared pet loss stories.
