6 Changes To WWE Television Following WrestleMania 42

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WWE WrestleMania is now in the books, but there is so much fallout that could alter the landscape of the company’s television moving forward.

On both WWE Raw and SmackDown, there are things that will change in regards to storyline directions and character alterations across both shows.

From new stars emerging to storylines taking shape, WWE television should have a brand new dynamics over Monday and Friday nights.

Here are six potential changes to WWE television following WrestleMania 42.

6. Oba Femi establishes himself as WWE’s newest top star

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night Two, Oba Femi defeated Brock Lesnar in what was the biggest win of his career.

Following his victory, “The Ruler” told the world that they will see the establishment of a new main event player.

After calling out the new World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns, Femi made it clear that he plans to capture the top prize in WWE moving forward.

Femi going on an undefeated streak and picking up victories over top stars should further cement him as the newest top star in the company for years to come.

5. Rhea Ripley Officially Moving To Friday Night SmackDown As WWE Women’s Champion

Rhea Ripley proved that “Mami is back on top” after defeating Jade Cargill to win the WWE Women’s Championship at WrestleMania 42.

Before winning the Women’s Elimination Chamber to earn a shot at the title, Ripley was part of the Monday Night Raw roster.

Following this win, Ripley should officially become part of the Friday Night SmackDown brand moving forward.

This should open the door for some fresh, new rivalries for Ripley as the new champion with the likes of Tiffany Stratton, Giulia and Jordynne Grace that should freshen up the SmackDown women’s scene greatly.

4. Sami Zayn Going Fully Heel

At WWE WrestleMania 42 Night Two, Sami Zayn lost the United States Championship to Trick Williams.

During the course of the match, Zayn heavily teased that he was fully embracing his heel reaction that he has been getting from the fans.

Since winning the US Title from Carmelo Hayes, Zayn has garnered boos from the fans and showed more aggression during his match with Williams at Mania.

Coming out of ‘The Showcase of the Immortals,’ Zayn should fully go heel and become a top villain on Friday Night SmackDown over the next few months.

3. Cody Rhodes & Randy Orton Feud Completes A Double Turn

Cody Rhodes walked out of WrestleMania 42 still the Undisputed WWE Champion after beating Randy Orton in the Night One main event.

Despite coming into Mania as the top babyface on SmackDown, Rhodes was heavily booed during the course of the match, while Orton received a great deal of cheers on that night.

The show ended with Orton delivering a Punt Kick to Cody to leave him laying and standing tall.

While this could lead to the fans accepting Orton as the villain, WWE could complete a double turn with ‘The Legend Killer’ going back to being a babyface, while Cody Rhodes finally becomes a heel for the first time since his return in 2022.

2. GUNTHER Goads Brock Lesnar For One More Match

One of the major talking points coming out of WrestleMania 42 had to have been Brock Lesnar losing to Oba Femi and then proceeding to take off his boots leaving them in the center of the ring.

Seemingly retiring before our eyes, many fans are wondering if they will ever see Lesnar wrestle in a WWE ring ever again.

Heading into Mania, there were strong rumors that ‘The Beast Incarnate’ would eventually retire with WWE SummerSlam 2026 in his hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota was the most likely destination.

Considering that his manager Paul Heyman now owes ‘The Career Killer’ a favor, one of the more significant storylines moving forward could see GUNTHER goading Brock to have one final match where he can add his name to the list of legends he’s retired.

1. Roman Reigns Having A Full-Time Presence As World Heavyweight Champion On Raw

WrestleMania 42 weekend concluded with Roman Reigns defeating CM Punk to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.

Many fans were wondering how often they would see Reigns on WWE TV now that he was holding a world title for the first time in two years.

However, Reigns announced during his Mania post show interview that he was now back to a full-time presence on WWE television moving forward.

‘The OTC’ showing up on WWE Raw on a regular basis will make him feel like a legitimate champion who could be the centerpiece of the company once again.

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