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By Miguel Palaban

 

WrestleMania 42 brought its two-event format to the Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with fans in the Philippines tuning in via Netflix on the morning of Sunday and Monday.

 

Thirteen matches were staged across two days, split between seven on the first card and six on the second. Among them, a handful rose above the rest through a mix of storytelling, execution, and consequence.

 

Night 1

 

3. AJ Lee vs. Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship

 

The third standout contest on Night 1 of WrestleMania 42 featured AJ Lee defending the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch.

 

The bout was shaped as much by the competitors as it was by the officiating of Jessika Carr. Lynch dictated the tempo early but repeatedly lost focus due to her disputes with Carr.

 

Photo: Getty Images

 

That lapse proved costly. After a sequence involving an exposed corner and a compromised official, Lynch seized the moment to walk away with the win and add another reign as the Women’s Intercontinental Champion to her résumé.

 

2. Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton for the Undisputed WWE Championship

 

Ranked second is the Undisputed WWE Championship clash between reigning titleholder Cody Rhodes and challenger Randy Orton.

 

Their meeting evolved into a layered contest that balanced technical work with outside involvement. Rhodes approached the match with a targeted strategy, while Orton relied on experience and opportunism.

 

Interference and a disrupted officiating flow created a volatile closing stretch, where Rhodes ultimately retained. The aftermath, however, left the defending champion laid out by Orton, shifting the tone beyond the final bell.

 

1. Seth Rollins vs. Gunther

 

The top bout from the opening night saw Seth Rollins against Gunther.

 

The match emphasized contrast in style, with Gunther’s physical dominance meeting Rollins’ resilience and adaptability. Momentum swung repeatedly as both pushed the pace inside and outside the ring.

 

The decisive moment came with the unexpected arrival of Bron Breakker, whose interference tilted the outcome. Gunther capitalized, forcing a stoppage and reinforcing his reputation as one of the most imposing figures on the roster.

 

Night 2

 

3. Brock Lesnar vs. Obama Femi

 

The second evening of WrestleMania 42 opened with Oba Femi taking on Brock Lesnar, a match that placed emerging power against established dominance.

 

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Lesnar controlled stretches with his signature offense, but Femi’s durability and timing allowed him to reverse the tide.

 

A decisive finishing sequence earned Femi the victory. The post-match scene, marked by Lesnar leaving his gear behind, introduced uncertainty about his future.

 

2. Six-pack ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship

 

In second place on Night 2 is the multi-competitor ladder match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. Penta defended against a field that included Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Je'Von Evans, Rusev, and JD McDonagh.

 

The structure encouraged risk-taking, and the participants delivered a steady stream of aerial and high-impact moments.

 

In the closing stages, Penta managed to outlast the field and retain, bringing order to an otherwise unpredictable contest.

 

1. CM Punk vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

 

The defining match of Night 2 featured CM Punk against Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

 

Photo: Getty Images

 

The encounter combined physical exchanges with psychological tactics, as both leaned into their identities to gain an edge. Momentum shifted through counters and calculated risks, building toward a decisive finish.

 

Reigns prevailed after delivering consecutive finishing blow