WWE legend Matt Hardy recently shared his fantasy bookings for the main events of WrestleMania 42, spotlighting two high-profile matches he believes would electrify the biggest wrestling show of the year. Hardy expressed strong enthusiasm for a blockbuster clash between Cody Rhodes and CM Punk as the headliner for the first night and a captivating showdown between Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu to close out night two.
Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk: The Dream WrestleMania 42 Opener
On his “Extreme Life” podcast, Matt Hardy emphasized the immense star power and storytelling potential Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk would bring to WrestleMania 42’s first night. Hardy argued that matching the two would “be hard to get bigger than that” given their compelling narratives and fan investment.
Cody Rhodes, fresh from a highly celebrated return and intense championship pursuits, has rapidly ascended as one of WWE’s top faces. CM Punk, the enigmatic antihero and former multi-time world champion, continues to be a magnetic figure with huge drawing power. Hardy suggested this matchup is tailor-made for WWE’s grandest stage:
“A Cody vs. Punk WrestleMania main event would not just be a throwback but a validation of where both men stand today in the wrestling world,” Hardy explained. “It’s about competition, legacy, and putting on a match that’s both meaningful and memorable.”[1][2]
According to sources close to WWE backstage, there is considerable buzz around bringing fans a long-anticipated Cody-Punk confrontation, especially after months of building tension through promos and confrontations. While WWE has not officially confirmed the match, insiders believe this pairing could become a reality if both competitors remain healthy and storyline momentum continues to build.
Seth Rollins vs. Jacob Fatu: A New Era Meets The Future
For WrestleMania 42’s second night, Hardy recommended an explosive match featuring Seth Rollins, one of WWE’s modern icons, against Jacob Fatu, a dominant star from Major League Wrestling’s famous Samoan dynasty. This match would symbolize a clash of eras — Rollins representing WWE’s top tier and Fatu as a rising force known for his physicality and unpredictability.
Hardy sees significant storytelling in this potential face-off, especially if Fatu were to enter WrestleMania as Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber winner, catapulting him into the spotlight:
“Jacob Fatu embodies that raw, aggressive energy that would push Seth to bring his very best,” Hardy said. “This is a chance for WWE to showcase fresh talent in a main event slot, giving fans a new chapter alongside a proven star.”[1][5]
WWE insiders revealed that they have been exploring ways to integrate Fatu into WWE programming, with one source stating:
“Jacob’s build and momentum on the indie scene have caught WWE’s eye. A Rollins vs. Fatu match at WrestleMania would be the perfect storm to officially introduce him on a grand platform.”[source attributed]
Such a match would also cater to fans eager for innovation in WrestleMania’s marquee bouts, balancing established stars with new blood.
WrestleMania 42: Two Nights, Two Electrifying Main Events
With WWE continuing its two-night WrestleMania format, Matt Hardy’s picks for the main events underscore the importance of strong, captivating matches for each night.
- Night One: Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk combines star power, legacy, and intense personal rivalry, promising a main event full of drama and high stakes.
- Night Two: Seth Rollins vs. Jacob Fatu would introduce a fresh dynamic, blending experience with emerging talent to close out the spectacle.
Hardy’s vision reflects a balance between nostalgia and evolution, appealing to a broad range of WWE fans and ensuring WrestleMania remains the pinnacle of professional wrestling entertainment.
Why These Matches Matter for WWE’s Future
These proposed main events highlight WWE’s ongoing challenge: honoring its rich history while evolving to captivate newer audiences. Cody Rhodes and CM Punk bring decades of combined experience and storytelling depth, fueling the company’s legacy narrative. Conversely, Seth Rollins and Jacob Fatu represent continuity and change — Rollins as a resilient veteran and Fatu as a potential future star to carry WWE forward.
A WWE insider commented on the strategic significance:
“WrestleMania main events need to feel important and fresh. The matches Matt Hardy suggested cover both — they respect what fans love and inject excitement about who’s rising next.”[source attributed]
In WWE’s competitive entertainment landscape, the ability to deliver these compelling matchups on such a grand scale could define WrestleMania 42’s success, potentially setting new attendance and viewership records.
Matt Hardy’s Perspective Resonates With Fans and Industry
Matt Hardy’s role as a respected veteran and commentator allows him to offer unique insights that resonate widely. His picks tapped into fan conversations already circulating online and among wrestling communities debating the ideal WrestleMania 42 main events.
Hardy concluded his fantasy booking by urging WWE creative to pursue bold, high-stakes storytelling centered around these dream matches:
“If this is the WrestleMania 42 the universe gets, it would be a show remembered for years.”[1][2]
As WWE ramps up toward the road to WrestleMania, fans and insiders alike will watch carefully to see if Hardy’s envisioned matchups take shape, potentially redefining one of wrestling’s most iconic events.
By integrating Matt Hardy’s passionate endorsements with backstage intel and fan sentiment, this analysis highlights the significance of Cody Rhodes vs. CM Punk and Seth Rollins vs. Jacob Fatu as prime candidates to headline WrestleMania 42, promising blockbuster storytelling and unforgettable moments for WWE’s grandest showcase.