The excitement for WrestleMania 42 is building, but so is the controversy. WWE’s latest promotional video for the Las Vegas extravaganza has sparked heated debate among fans and industry insiders alike, with WWE legend Bully Ray leading the charge in questioning the direction of the company’s marketing strategy.
The official WrestleMania 42 promo, released this week, features a star-studded poker-themed scene set in the heart of Sin City. Triple H, CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, Brock Lesnar, and Cody Rhodes are all seen seated at a high-stakes table, each representing a different facet of WWE’s current landscape. The tagline “It’s anyone’s game” sets the tone for what promises to be a wild and unpredictable event.
But for all its glitz and star power, the promo has drawn criticism for one glaring omission: the absence of women.
Fan Backlash Over Missing Female Representation
Almost immediately after the video dropped, social media erupted with complaints from fans who felt WWE had once again sidelined its female talent. The promo, which leans heavily into the Las Vegas poker theme, features only male superstars, despite the fact that WWE’s women’s division has been a major driving force in recent years.
Bully Ray, known for his candid takes on WWE’s booking and presentation, didn’t hold back in his assessment. Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Ray expressed his disappointment with the promo’s lack of diversity.
“I love the concept, I love the setting, but come on—where are the women?” Ray said. “You’ve got all these big names at the table, but not a single woman in sight. That’s a missed opportunity. Rhea Ripley, Bianca Belair, Charlotte Flair—they’re all top stars. Why aren’t they part of this?”
Ray’s comments echo a growing sentiment among fans who feel that WWE’s marketing often fails to reflect the true depth of its roster.
Bully Ray’s Vision for a More Inclusive Promo
Rather than simply criticizing the promo, Ray offered a creative solution that could instantly elevate the presentation and address the concerns of fans. He proposed a follow-up commercial that would feature a dramatic entrance by Rhea Ripley.
“I would love to see a follow-up commercial where they’re at the table playing poker, and you hear a door slam,” Ray explained. “Then you see a female sit down. She stares them down and says, ‘Deal me in, boys.’ The camera pans up, and it’s Rhea Ripley. That would be electric.”
Ray pointed out a subtle detail in the original promo that could hint at Ripley’s inclusion: an extra stack of chips at the table. “That one spot could be for somebody. Maybe it’s for Rhea, we’ll see,” he said. “But, why would there be an extra stack of chips at the poker table? I don’t think Heyman’s playing. I don’t think Hunter’s playing.”
WWE’s History with Female Representation
The criticism over the WrestleMania 42 promo is not new. WWE has faced similar backlash in the past for promotional materials that exclude women or fail to showcase their top female talent. While the company has made strides in recent years with the Women’s Evolution, there’s still a perception among some fans that women are treated as secondary to the men’s division.
According to a WWE insider, the decision to focus solely on male superstars in the promo was likely driven by the desire to highlight the event’s main event possibilities. “The creative team wanted to emphasize the big names and potential main event matches,” the insider revealed. “But they may have underestimated how much fans care about seeing women represented in these big moments.”
The Impact of Fan Feedback
Fan feedback has become increasingly influential in shaping WWE’s direction. In recent years, the company has responded to criticism by making changes to storylines, match bookings, and even promotional materials. The backlash over the WrestleMania 42 promo could prompt WWE to reconsider its approach and release a follow-up that includes female talent.
Sources close to Cody Rhodes revealed that the locker room is aware of the controversy and that there’s a growing push for more inclusive marketing. “The guys and girls are talking about it,” the source said. “There’s a sense that WWE needs to do better, especially with an event as big as WrestleMania.”
What’s Next for WrestleMania 42?
As the countdown to WrestleMania 42 continues, all eyes will be on WWE to see how it responds to the criticism. Will the company release a follow-up promo featuring Rhea Ripley or another top female star? Will the event itself deliver a showcase for the women’s division that matches the hype of the men’s matches?
Bully Ray’s vision for a more inclusive promo has already captured the imagination of fans. “I think people would love that,” Ray said. “Almost like a ‘to be continued’ from the first commercial. It would be a statement that WWE is serious about showcasing all of its top talent.”
Whether or not WWE takes Ray’s advice, one thing is clear: the conversation around female representation in wrestling is far from over. As WrestleMania 42 approaches, the pressure is on for WWE to deliver a show that truly reflects the diversity and depth of its roster.
For now, fans will be watching closely, hoping that the next promo—or the event itself—will finally give women the spotlight they deserve.