WrestleMania 42 kicks off Saturday night from Allegiant Stadium, continuing WWE’s two-night format in the modern era. Eight championship matches are spread across the weekend, with Night 1 headlined by Cody Rhodes defending the undisputed WWE championship against Randy Orton.

There’s a lot on paper here. Some of it feels big. Some of it feels… a little overthought.

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Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

This is one of those matches that should feel like a can’t-miss clash. Seth Rollins needs momentum badly if WWE still wants fans to buy into The Vision. Injuries have gutted that group, and right now it feels like it’s hanging on by a thread. Meanwhile, Gunther has almost become a victim of his own booking — the “legend killer” role has boxed him in creatively.

Pick: Rollins 

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Women’s World Championship — Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan

Stephanie Vaquer has been great in the ring, no question. But this feels like it’s been building toward Liv Morgan reclaiming the spotlight ever since her return. Add in potential chaos from Raquel Rodriguez or even Roxanne Perez, and it feels like the title is changing hands.

Pick: Morgan 

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Logan Paul, Austin Theory & IShowSpeed vs. The Usos & LA Knight

The celebrity presence is here again, with IShowSpeed stepping into the spotlight. He’ll probably do fine athletically, but this is more about energy than anything. The USO’s and LA Knight feel like the right call to get the crowd going early. On the other side, Logan Paul and Austin Theoy feel stuck in limbo right now.

Pick: The Usos & LA Knight 

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Women’s Intercontinental Championship — AJ Lee (c) vs. Becky Lynch

It’s been cool seeing AJ Lee back in the mix, but this run never felt built to last. One defense heading into WrestleMania doesn’t exactly scream “fighting champion.” Becky Lynch brings consistency, and honestly, this title needs that right now.

Pick: Lynch

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Jacob Fatu vs. Drew McIntyre (Unsanctioned Match)

Drew McIntyre is exactly who he’s going to be at this point — a reliable main-event-level heel. That’s not a knock, it’s just reality. Jacob Fatu, though, still has upside to tap into. If WWE is serious about getting him back into a top program, he needs this win.

Pick: Fatu

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Women’s Tag Team Championship — Nia Jax & Lash Legend (c) vs. Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss vs. Bayley & Lyra Valkyria vs. ____ & Brie Bella

This is a lot going on in one match. Bayley and Lyra feel like the only team that actually needs this. The champs haven’t clicked, Flair and Bliss already got what they needed, and the Bellas feel like a short-term play, especially with Nikki being unable to compete. Who will Brie’s mystery partner be? 

Pick: Bayley & Valkyria

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Undisputed WWE Championship — Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Randy Orton

This should feel bigger than it does. That’s probably the best way to sum it up. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton is a story that writes itself, but it’s gotten lost in the shuffle a bit with all the outside noise and crossover elements.

It almost feels like the result isn’t the endgame — just a setup for whatever comes next, whether that’s tag matches, celebrity involvement, or another twist. Still, giving Orton one more title run has some appeal.

Pick: Orton 

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Final Thoughts

There’s a lot to like on this card, but it’s also a mixed bag. Some matches feel meaningful, others feel like placeholders for bigger ideas down the line. That’s kind of where WWE is at right now — big moments, but sometimes at the cost of clean storytelling.

Night 1 should deliver in-ring. The question is whether it actually sticks once it’s over.