A round-up of WWE news on the eve of WrestleMania 42, covering some of the final developments heading into Las Vegas.
Today’s updates feature a first look at the Allegiant Stadium WrestleMania set, AJ Styles addressing his Hall of Fame induction, and Royce Keys detailing his recent dark matches.
WrestleMania 42 stage revealed
Influencers, including Chris Danger, shared images of the WrestleMania 42 set at Allegiant Stadium on social media. The stage features two pillar-shaped screens displaying the event’s logo. Aerosmith and Yungblud’s “Back in the Saddle” played as the screens and lighting were switched on.
We got to reveal the WrestleMania 42 set! Unreal to be standing in this ring. #WrestleMania @wwe @espn pic.twitter.com/xPHfNPUPUI
— Chris Danger (@thechrisdenker) April 17, 2026
AJ Styles on Hall of Fame induction
AJ Styles discussed his upcoming WWE Hall of Fame induction on The Nikki & Brie Show. He admitted feeling anxious about the ceremony and wanting to get it over with. The veteran noted it was difficult to secure the right person to induct him, but confirmed he has found someone suitable. Styles co-headlines the Class of 2026 alongside Stephanie McMahon at Dolby Live tonight.
Royce Keys requested dark matches
Royce Keys revealed on SiriusXM that he pitched working dark matches to Paul “Triple H” Levesque following his Royal Rumble debut. The former Powerhouse Hobbs wanted to stay active before his official SmackDown arrival. Backstage figures encouraged him to ignore online criticism regarding his television absence. Keys stated that he feels good after securing a victory over Berto on SmackDown last Friday.
Pat McAfee mocks fans at WWE World
Pat McAfee insulted attendees at the WWE World convention on Friday. A countdown clock teased a major surprise. However, it instead played a video of McAfee mocking fans for expecting an AEW talent to appear. The commentator promised to arrive in Las Vegas for SmackDown tonight. McAfee will accompany Randy Orton for his Undisputed WWE Championship match against Cody Rhodes on Saturday.
SURPRISE MARKS
YOU SHOULD ALL BE THANKING ME AND RANDY ORTON #PMSLive https://t.co/SwyPYVtQvr pic.twitter.com/HGC2X1Xw4a
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) April 17, 2026
Roman Reigns praises Oba Femi
Roman Reigns named Oba Femi as a talent he wants to face from this weekend’s card. Speaking on ESPN First Take, Reigns also highlighted the work of Trick Williams, Je’Von Evans, and Carmelo Hayes. Levesque echoed this praise on the same program, commending Femi’s microphone skills alongside Paul Heyman. Femi opens night two of WrestleMania against Brock Lesnar, while Reigns challenges CM Punk for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Levesque comments on Pat McAfee involvement
Paul “Triple H” Levesque addressed Pat McAfee’s role in the WrestleMania 42 main event on ESPN. WWE’s Chief Content Officer said he believes the commentator generates valuable discussion, regardless of fan criticism. Levesque added that he is looking forward to the mentor-student dynamic between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
