7 WWE Stars Deserving a Spot at WrestleMania 42

WrestleMania 41 is serving up some of the flashiest matches the WWE has to offer, but let’s be real—there are a handful of stars who, for one reason or another, didn’t make the cut this year. That doesn’t mean their WrestleMania dreams are over. With WrestleMania 42 heading to New Orleans, there’s plenty of time for these deserving superstars to fight their way onto next year’s card.

WWE Chief Content Officer Paul Levesque made it clear after Elimination Chamber that nothing is set in stone for main events. Every star needs to make every TV minute count—pressure much?

Still, some fan favorites were missing in Las Vegas, leaving the loyal WWE Universe feeling more than a little let down. But hope springs eternal in wrestling—especially with a whole year to shake things up.

Here are seven WWE stars who missed the mark at WrestleMania 41, but should absolutely be in the spotlight at WrestleMania 42:

• Chelsea Green: One of the most underrated performers of the year, Green nearly snagged the women’s Money in the Bank briefcase, taking a brutal fall through tables that set up Tiffany Stratton’s win. She rebounded by becoming the first-ever women’s United States Champion and has quietly built one of the most entertaining storylines on "Friday Night SmackDown." It’s almost criminal she wasn’t on the WrestleMania 41 card—next year, she deserves her moment, tables and all.
• Roxanne Perez: Perez’s tenure as NXT women’s champion was one for the books, holding her title for 276 days before dropping it at New Year’s Evil. She nearly stole the show at the Royal Rumble as the No. 2 entrant, hanging on until the very end before Charlotte Flair sent her packing. Perez is set for the Stand & Deliver show this year, but her WrestleMania moment feels right around the corner.
• Sami Zayn: Zayn has been a mainstay in WWE storylines ever since his epic tag team title win with Kevin Owens at WrestleMania 39, then dethroning Gunther at WrestleMania 40. This year, though? No spot on the card. After wrapping up a heated feud with Owens and taking some time off post-Elimination Chamber, Zayn’s world title story just might be heating up for next season.
• Chad Gable: Technically not booked for WrestleMania 41, Gable has been surrounded by rumors—like possibly moonlighting as El Grande Americano. He’s split from Otis and Maxxine Dupri, nearly won the WWE Speed Championship, and pushed Zayn to the limit at Clash At The Castle. If there’s room for a technical wizard and a masked alter ego next year, Gable’s your guy.
• Ray Fenix: Fenix, the high-flying luchador, joined WWE just a tad late to make the 41 card, but he’s already stirring up drama with Legado del Fantasma. His crowd-pleasing style could make him the next breakout star if the WWE Universe gets behind him for a big push.
• The Wyatt Sicks (and Alexa Bliss): Their debut was spine-tingling, and the callbacks to Bray Wyatt were a heartfelt touch. Bo Dallas poured his heart out to fans, but injuries hit the brakes. With Alexa Bliss back in the mix and rumors swirling, a healthy Wyatt Sicks and Bliss could be the wild card for a major return next year. The creep factor is off the charts (in the best way).
• Montez Ford: The most athletically gifted superstar on the roster, Ford and his tag partner Angelo Dawkins haven’t made the 41 card, but Ford’s solo potential is obvious. He hasn’t had a singles title shot since 2023, and it’s about time he gets his chance to shine solo on the grandest stage.

WrestleMania is all about the big moments and the big stars. These seven may have sat out this year, but don’t be surprised if they steal the show in New Orleans next spring. And let’s face it—half the fun is guessing who’s going to break through that glass ceiling next.