WrestleMania 42 starts, Netflix hosting premium content

WrestleMania 42 opened its Las Vegas buildup this week with John Cena back in WWE as host, while Netflix promoted a slate of tied-in premium programming. (wwe.com) (netflix.com) The two-night event is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. WWE’s event page says each night starts at 6 p.m. Eastern time, and WWE says the show streams on ESPN in the United States and on Netflix outside the United States. (wwe.com 1) (wwe.com 2) (netflix.com) USA Today reported on April 11 that 13 matches were scheduled as WrestleMania week began, with the card built around the Undisputed WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship and the women’s title picture. WWE’s own coverage this week said the Saturday and Sunday match cards had been announced. (usatoday.com) (wwe.com) The streaming piece is new because Netflix is now part of WWE’s regular distribution system, not just a one-off partner. Netflix’s WWE explainer says Raw streams there live and that some live events and premium content are included, depending on region. (netflix.com 1) (netflix.com 2) That regional split is clearest on WrestleMania itself: Netflix’s Tudum guide says WrestleMania 42 streams live on Netflix internationally, while WWE’s event page lists ESPN as the United States home. Netflix also says its live events are included in all plans. (netflix.com) (wwe.com) (netflix.com) Cena’s role gives WWE a familiar headline name even after his in-ring retirement. WWE said the 17-time world champion retired from competition in December 2025 after losing to Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event, and this WrestleMania appearance is his first return. (wwe.com) Las Vegas is hosting WrestleMania for the second straight year after WWE and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority announced in June 2025 that the show would return to Allegiant Stadium in 2026. WWE’s corporate announcement in February said the city would also host SmackDown, Raw and other fan events during WrestleMania week. (wwe.com) (corporate.wwe.com) The immediate next step is simple: WWE has one week left to finalize the card before the first bell on April 18, with Cena positioned as the host and Netflix carrying the surrounding push for viewers outside the United States. (wwe.com 1) (wwe.com 2) (netflix.com)