The relocation of WrestleMania 42 from its previously announced home in New Orleans has sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world — and left WWE fans and industry insiders speculating about where the event will now take place.
While WWE clarified to Fightful that New Orleans is still part of a larger long-term deal, Fightful Select reports that many within the company — including talent and staff — were “shocked” by the news when it broke earlier this week.
“One of the latest announcements for Mania in recent memory,” one talent reportedly noted, referencing the lack of an official new venue or date, even as the event approaches less than a year away.
Despite the behind-the-scenes surprise, the majority of talent are said to be “largely unfazed,” as WWE typically handles travel and logistics for WrestleMania Week and other major events. Under the current TKO-led regime, WWE leadership is reportedly more comfortable delaying announcements and shifting locations if it means greater revenue potential.
Still, the abrupt move has already caused disruption within the wider wrestling industry. Sources told Fightful that WrestleCon had already signed contracts for its own 2026 event in New Orleans, anticipating WWE would hold WrestleMania there as originally announced.
As for where WrestleMania 42 is headed, NOLA.com and Fightful have both pointed to Las Vegas as the likely new destination. A source previously connected to WWE stated that the company is “closing in on Allegiant Stadium” for a new target date of April 18–19, 2026. However, as of this writing, the Las Vegas deal has not been finalized.
If confirmed, this would mark another high-profile stadium WrestleMania for WWE and continue the company’s trend of targeting major markets with sports tourism appeal.
Stay tuned to PWMania.com for official updates on WrestleMania 42’s new location, industry reactions, and all the breaking news leading up to WWE’s biggest event of 2026.
