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Triple H has addressed the controversy surrounding Pat McAfee's involvement in the WWE WrestleMania 42 main event story. According to Triple H, McAfee's addition has been divisive but suggests that McAfee has been a positive influence.
WWE officials are optimistic that Nikki Bella will be able to compete at WrestleMania 42 despite being recently spotted wearing a walking boot due to an ankle injury. Bella is scheduled to undergo a medical evaluation prior to SmackDown that will likely determine whether she receives clearance for her planned Women's Tag Team Championship match. WWE has been discussing backup plans and possible replacement teams in case Bella isn't medically cleared, with her ankle injury dating back to the March 27 episode of SmackDown.
A new photo has revealed the stage setup for WrestleMania 42 at Allegiant Stadium, showing two massive towers being constructed as part of the stage design along with a long entrance ramp similar to WrestleMania 22. The setup represents a departure from recent WrestleMania designs that featured single massive stage walls, with WWE incorporating fans seated on both sides of the stage and integrated into the backdrop. Construction is currently underway ahead of the April 18 and 19 shows.
Triple H addressed the controversy surrounding Pat McAfee's involvement in the Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton storyline during an appearance on First Take, stating that WWE views the criticism and discussion as positive. He emphasized that "talk is good" and that McAfee "makes people talk," indicating that the company wants the conversation to continue rather than trying to quiet the reaction. WWE has reportedly not placed restrictions on talent discussing the angle publicly and appears comfortable letting the attention grow as the storyline progresses toward WrestleMania.
Bully Ray expressed certainty about the outcome of a prominent WWE WrestleMania 42 match, stating he has "no doubt" about the result. The WWE Hall of Famer believes a recent NXT graduate must win their first WrestleMania match.
CM Punk has shared his thoughts on WWE's decision to host WrestleMania in Las Vegas for the second consecutive year. According to Punk, "We've run into a little bit of trouble" regarding the back-to-back Las Vegas WrestleMania events.
D-Von Dudley revealed on his YouTube channel that wrestlers typically don't know their WrestleMania matches until about a month before the event, with producers learning their assignments only 1.5 to 2 months in advance. He confirmed that WrestleMania bonuses are significantly higher than regular shows due to increased ticket prices and sponsorships, with talent receiving their "WrestleMania payoff" about a month after the event alongside their regular paychecks. Dudley also described the WrestleMania afterparty as a low-key family reunion atmosphere where wrestlers can relax without fan obligations.
Elton Prince's recovery from his two-level neck fusion surgery remains in the early stages with no timeline for his return to WWE, according to his Pretty Deadly tag team partner Kit Wilson. During an appearance on The Mark Hoke Show at WrestleMania Media Day, Wilson confirmed that while the surgery was successful, the recovery process is unpredictable and they are simply waiting for Prince to heal. Prince underwent the neck fusion procedure after suffering neurological symptoms following a bad landing in the ring earlier this year.
Carmelo Hayes told The Mark Hoke Show that he would refuse any WrestleMania appearance unless he's in a featured role, stating "if I'm not the spotlight, I don't want none of it." Hayes rejected the idea of making a cameo or participating in background segments, saying he doesn't play second fiddle and is either "the character or I'm not involved at all."
A backstage report indicates that Roman Reigns is expected to defeat CM Punk at WWE WrestleMania 42. The report also mentions that there are three creative favorites heading into the event who are expected to win their respective matches.
CM Punk and Roman Reigns are scheduled to face each other at WWE WrestleMania 42. Punk responded to Reigns by saying "I'm Gonna Make His Orthodontist A Very Rich Person," with their recent exchange of words focusing on references to the mouth.
Cam'ron addressed his physical altercation with Jey Uso on his "It Is What It Is" show, stating he only suffered a minor headache and plans to attend WrestleMania weekend in Las Vegas. The rapper accused Uso of using their fight for publicity ahead of WrestleMania, called him "the weakest in The Bloodline," and suggested something will happen when they cross paths again during the weekend.