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Shawn Michaels has stated that seeing former NXT stars debut at WrestleMania is the only reason he has a desire to attend the event. Michaels commented on the feeling of watching former NXT talents make their WrestleMania debuts.
AJ Lee expressed support for a potential Paige return to WWE during an interview with Sports Illustrated, saying it would be "heartwarming and healing" and that Paige would be "a great addition to the locker room." Lee noted that she believed in Paige's talent from day one and joked that she was her "fairy godmother" who took her under her wing early in her career. AJ also commented that the current women's division has improved significantly, with wrestlers being more supportive of each other than in the past.
AJ Lee revealed that fan support was the driving force behind her WWE return, stating that she saw 7-hour long lines at her signings which made her realize fans were "still here" and there was still "hunger" and support for her. After spending nearly a decade away from wrestling focusing on writing and mental health advocacy, Lee said the loyalty of her fanbase who "watched me from day one" and "were waiting for me to come back" convinced her that returning was the right decision.
AJ Styles revealed on The Phenomenally Retro Podcast that his best WrestleMania match was against Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 33. Styles praised McMahon as a perfectionist and explained that they were able to create what he considers "a perfect match" due to their preparation, attention to detail, and the way everything came together in their storyline.
AJ Lee says she's approaching WrestleMania 42 with a completely different mindset than during her first WWE run, explaining in a Sports Illustrated interview that she no longer feels pressure to constantly prove herself. The former WWE star stated that maturity and confidence have replaced the feeling of having to "fight for every opportunity," allowing her to enjoy moments rather than feeling like she's "scrapping every day." Lee is set to face Becky Lynch at WrestleMania 42.
Al Snow criticized WWE's use of insider references and "shoot-style" promos during an appearance on Vince Russo's The Brand on April 13, 2026. Snow argued that WWE's strategy of referencing things like ticket pricing, backstage figures like Ari Emanuel, and wrestling history only appeals to internet wrestling fans while alienating casual viewers who don't understand these insider topics. He compared these promos to inside jokes that only work for people already in the loop, stating that the approach risks losing WWE's broader mainstream audience.
WWE NXT North American Champion Myles Borne has discussed the emotions he experienced while winning his first professional wrestling title. Borne detailed his feelings about capturing the NXT North American Championship, describing the emotional journey that led to his title victory.
Former WWE merchandising executive Todd Bold revealed that during the Attitude Era, WWE began planning for each WrestleMania just one to two weeks after the previous show ended. Bold, who worked for WWE from 1999-2004 during the peak of the Attitude Era, explained that once a city and venue were secured, the company would design logos and develop merchandise collections for both the WWE/WrestleMania brand and top talent like Stone Cold Steve Austin and The Rock. The planning process ensured that products were ready to capitalize on storylines and talent pushes as they developed on television throughout the year.
WWE has released a Stephanie McMahon 2026 Hall of Fame Legacy Title belt through WWE Shop, priced at $849.99, to celebrate her upcoming Hall of Fame induction. The custom-designed belt features Stephanie's initials in the center plate along with decorative lions and gold detailing, and is positioned as a collector's item honoring her influence both on-screen and behind the scenes during her time with the company.
WWE Women's Champion Jade Cargill revealed that she pitched a promotional idea to WWE that was denied by the company. Cargill stated that she believes her idea would have helped bring casual fans to WWE.
CM Punk revealed that he thinks about being an extra for John Cena's WWE WrestleMania 22 entrance every time he walks into work. Punk described this as the WrestleMania moment he will never forget, one that he doesn't think fans would be able to guess.
Blake Monroe posted another poolside photo in a black bikini with her custom NXT Women's North American Championship just one day after her previous post gained significant fan attention on April 12, 2026. The follow-up post included the caption "everyone say thank you to the vanity project," acknowledging the group that presented her with the custom championship on the April 7 episode of NXT after she lost to Tatum Paxley at Stand & Deliver.