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Roman Reigns has stated that he "doesn't belong in WWE anymore" if he loses to CM Punk at WrestleMania 42. The statement represents an emphatic declaration from Reigns regarding the potential outcome of the match.
WWE's Triple H told Joe Tessitore in an interview that the intensity between CM Punk and Roman Reigns continues even when they go backstage. According to Triple H, the tension between the two wrestlers doesn't end when cameras stop rolling.
WWE President Nick Khan addressed the possible ramifications of the Middle East conflict on the company.
Roman Reigns stated in an interview with Michael Cole that if he loses to CM Punk at WrestleMania, he doesn't belong in WWE anymore and his work would be done. Reigns said a victory would bring WWE back to relevancy and reset the standard he previously established during his dominant run. The comments add significant stakes to the already heated rivalry between Reigns and CM Punk heading into their WrestleMania match.
Nikki Bella says she's still planning to compete at WrestleMania 42 despite her injury, stating on The Nikki & Brie Show that she's continuing to manage the injury and doing everything possible to be ready. According to BodySlam.net, WWE officials remain optimistic she'll be cleared in time, with Bella scheduled for a medical evaluation prior to SmackDown that will determine her WrestleMania status. Reports indicate WWE has backup plans in place, including potential involvement from Paige, though Bella's comments suggest she's not ready to give up her spot.
WWE has removed the previously scheduled Women's United States Championship match between Giulia and Tiffany Stratton from the April 17 SmackDown. Instead, Stratton will face Jordynne Grace in a number one contender's match, with the winner earning a future shot at Giulia's Women's United States Championship.
Pat McAfee admitted on The Pat McAfee Show that he intentionally fooled fans into believing a major surprise appearance would happen at WWE World, when the reveal was simply McAfee himself. McAfee mocked fans who expected an AEW wrestler to sign with WWE at WrestleMania, and warned that he and Randy Orton have plans to "shake things up" during WrestleMania weekend as part of their ongoing storyline with Cody Rhodes.
WWE SmackDown experienced a slight decline in viewership on April 10, 2026, during the lead-up to WrestleMania. The show aired as part of the road to WrestleMania programming.
A WWE WrestleMania 42 match is reportedly undergoing a change as Nikki Bella has not been medically cleared to compete. A long-absent star is reportedly set to return to replace Bella in the match.
LA Knight denied rumors that he received backstage heat after holding up a fan sign reading "We Want LA Knight, Not Jey Uso" during the October 2025 episode of WWE Raw. In an interview with SHAK Wrestling on April 17, 2026, Knight stated that nobody backstage said anything to him about the incident and described grabbing the sign as a spontaneous reaction rather than a calculated move.
AJ Styles has commented on his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction and who will be inducting him at the ceremony. Styles indicated that some potential inductors "couldn't induct" him, though specific details about his final choice were not provided.
WWE has added a last-minute tag team match to the April 17 SmackDown, with Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair teaming up against Bayley and Lyra Valkyria. All four women are set to compete at WrestleMania 42 in a four-way match for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship, where they will face current champions The Irresistible Forces (Lash Legend and Nia Jax) and The Bella Twins. The match serves as a preview for the WrestleMania showdown, giving two of the teams involved another chance to build momentum before the event.