WWE's plans for WrestleMania 42 in 2026 have seemingly undergone a significant change, and it's the biggest shakeup since the company was forced to hold the Show of Shows in the WWE Performance Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Multiple outlets have reported that WrestleMania will no longer be held in New Orleans, despite being announced for April 11 and April 12.
In terms of what happens next, there's speculation that the PLE will head overseas. Talking on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez said that three of the most likely possibilities are the UK, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia (however, the latter is unlikely given that the Royal Rumble is being held there).
WWE doesn't have an official replacement lined up, and it's unclear why the New Orleans show has essentially been cancelled. While a future WrestleMania is planned for the city, for now, it seems they'll get next year's Money in the Bank PLE instead.
Interestingly, Las Vegas is being named by some as a top contender to host WrestleMania 42. This year's Showcase of the Immortals was a hit for Sin City, meaning a return to Allegiant Stadium isn't off the table as we write this.
Fightful Select, meanwhile, is reporting that many WWE employees are "shocked" by the news, with one person pointing out that this marks "one of the latest announcements for Mania in recent memory."
Most WWE Superstars are reportedly "largely unfazed" by the change, with the new WWE leadership "more apt to waiting to announce any number of shows, and are open to changes if the revenue generated is a significant increase." In other words, someone might have made WWE an offer it couldn't refuse, leaving New Orleans in the dust.
Understandably, there's "immediate frustration within the industry" as many independent promotions and events like WrestleCon had already booked venues in New Orleans for WrestleMania weekend.
If WrestleMania does end up running in Las Vegas for a second year, then the date of the event is expected to be moved to April 18 - April 19.
Fans have also expressed some disappointment with the news, though plenty are taking great delight in pointing out that Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson announcing WrestleMania 42 for New Orleans has put him in the middle of another noteworthy WWE moment that went nowhere.