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    5 WWE stars who got screwed out of the WrestleMania 42 card

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    WrestleMania 42 will take place on Saturday and Sunday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. It is all set to be a star-studded spectacle, as top names like CM Punk, Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, and Randy Orton are scheduled to compete in high-profile matches.

    The Show of Shows is WWE’s biggest event of the year. Hence, every star dreams of competing at ‘Mania. However, given the size of the roster, many talented wrestlers don’t receive the opportunity to perform on The Grandest Stage of Them All. This year is no different, as several promising superstars are set to miss the event, despite being fit.

    In this article, we will look at five superstars who got screwed out of the WrestleMania 42 match card.

    #5. Bron Breakker

    Bron Breakker became the leader of The Vision after excommunicating Seth Rollins from the faction last year. He picked up the win for his team in the Men’s WarGames Match at Survivor Series 2025. The Dog of WWE then set his sights on the World Heavyweight Championship held by CM Punk.

    Breakker and Punk locked horns for the gold on the first RAW of 2026. Unfortunately for the challenger, he lost to The Best in the World. Following the loss, things went downhill for The Vision member. He was quickly eliminated from the Men’s Royal Rumble Match because of a mystery man who turned out to be Rollins.

    Following Royal Rumble, The Dog of WWE was sidelined due to hernia surgery. However, the company expected him to return in time for The Show of Shows to face The Visionary. A recent report indicated that Breakker was medically cleared to compete. In a shocking turn of events, the creative team booked Rollins against Gunther in a singles match at WrestleMania 42.

    Breakker is now set to miss The Show of Shows, despite being medically cleared for in-ring action.

    #4. & #3. Asuka and IYO SKY

    IYO SKY and Rhea Ripley seemed unstoppable in the tag team division before they lost the Women’s Tag Team Championship in February 2026. Ripley quickly recovered from the setback by winning this year’s Elimination Chamber Match. Mami then moved to SmackDown to go after Jade Cargill‘s Women’s Championship.

    In Ripley’s absence, SKY began feuding with Asuka on RAW. The Genius of the Sky took issue with The Empress of Tomorrow constantly disrespecting Kairi Sane of The Kabuki Warriors. Their rivalry has become increasingly personal with each passing week. Recently, reports indicated that WWE was considering adding SKY vs. Asuka to the WrestleMania 42 match card.

    The card for Night Two of The Show of Shows is set to feature six matches, while Night One will host seven bouts. Despite having a slot available at WrestleMania 42, WWE chose not to book SKY vs. Asuka for The Show of Shows.

    #2. Carmelo Hayes will miss WrestleMania 42

    Carmelo Hayes was the heartbeat of SmackDown during his reign as the United States Champion. He defended the gold against several credible challengers like Ilja Dragunov, Rey Fenix, and Aleister Black, among others. On the Road to WrestleMania 42, Melo shockingly lost the title to Sami Zayn. Nick Aldis later confirmed that Zayn will face Trick Williams for the championship at ‘Mania.

    The decision to crown Zayn as champion weeks before WrestleMania didn’t sit well with fans. Many were hoping to see Hayes defend the United States Title against his former rival, Williams, on The Grandest Stage of Them All. Hence, they were disappointed when WWE booked The Master Strategist to take his spot on the ‘Mania card.

    Hayes carried SmackDown on his back for months, consistently delivering high-octane matches. He earned a spot on The Grandest Stage of Them All. However, WWE decided not to add him to the title match, despite the fan outrage.

    #1. Tiffany Stratton

    Tiffany Stratton emerged as one of the fastest-rising stars on SmackDown following her main roster debut. She won the Women’s Title after cashing in the Money in the Bank contract. Stratton walked into WrestleMania 41 as champion and defended the gold against one of her idols, Charlotte Flair. She even beat The Queen on The Grandest Stage of Them All.

    After losing the gold to Jade Cargill, Stratton went on hiatus. She returned at Royal Rumble 2026, aiming to reclaim her spot at the top of the mountain. However, The Buff Barbie failed to win the 30-woman match. Stratton recently set her sights on Giulia’s Women’s United States Championship.

    On the March 27, 2026, edition of SmackDown, The Beautiful Madness defeated Stratton in a singles bout. Many believed that WWE would book a rematch between the two for the Women’s United States Championship at WrestleMania 42. But the company decided not to head in that direction.

    Stratton was hoping to compete for a title at The Show of Shows. However, similar to the other names on the list, she will likely witness the event from the sidelines.