WWE Legends To Return At WrestleMania 42

Published: 3 hours ago by SP3 | Last Updated: 3 hours ago by SP3

Born in Harlem, New York and now living in the Bronx, Sid Pullar III aka SP3 is a lifelong wrestling fan who has been covering the industry for over nine years as a podcaster and writer. His passion for the industry has been documented with over 3,000 videos on YouTube and 8,000 written pieces across multiple outlets, such as WrestleTalk, Sports Illustrated and more.

@TruHeelSP3

WWE Legends To Return At WrestleMania 42

One of the staples of WWE WrestleMania has been the legends coming out to celebrate the biggest show of the year.

From WWE Hall of Famers making returns after a long hiatus to those who are regulars of ‘The Showcase of the Immortals,’ the two-night premium live event will surely feature some prominent names making an appearance for the first time in a while.

With the event taking place from Las Vegas once again, fans are sure to see some iconic stars making their return to the adulation of the crowd at Allegiant Stadium.

Here are eight WWE legends to potentially return at WrestleMania 42.

8. Stone Cold Steve Austin

Back at WrestleMania 41, Stone Cold Steve Austin appeared on both nights of ‘The Show of Shows’ in Las Vegas.

On night one, Austin appeared alongside Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart as a WWE Hall of Fame inductee for the ‘Immortal Moment.’ Then on night two, Stone Cold showed up to ride his ATV and announced the attendance at Allegiant Stadium.

With this year’s Mania taking place in his home state of Nevada, it would make sense if Austin once again appears.

Returning to WWE for the first time in a year, fans will certainly be excited to see ‘The Texas Rattlesnake’ being a part of the festivities for ‘The Grandest Stage of Them All.’

7. The Undertaker

On the road to WrestleMania 42, The Undertaker has appeared on several occasions as the figure who has let legends know they are being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.

From Stephanie McMahon to AJ Styles, it was ‘The Deadman’ who made their inductions official to the fans.

Taker is someone who holds a lot of significance to WrestleMania and just makes sense to include him during the event.

Considering his legendary streak and overall importance to the show, Taker feels like a logical addition to what WWE has planned for this year’s Mania.

6. Trish Stratus

Trish Stratus is no stranger to being a special guest at several significant shows over the years for WWE.

Whether it is being in the crowd or stepping back in the squared circle, the WWE Hall of Famer is a regular at these huge WWE premium live events.

Stratus would be a welcomed sight to have at WrestleMania 42 and could see her in a number of different possibilities.

From being ringside for one of the women’s world title matches or interacting with current talent backstage, Stratus could offer some nostalgia for long time fans and maybe even possibly tease a future matchup.

5. Kevin Nash

During WrestleMania 42 weekend, WWE will hold their 2026 Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Friday, April 17.

While Stephanie McMahon and AJ Styles will be the headliners, the company will also honor Dennis Rodman as an inductee into the celebrity wing.

During his time in WCW, Rodman became a member of the NWO alongside fellow WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash.

After helping to celebrate Rodman on Friday, Nash could also show up to be a special guest at WrestleMania 42 on Saturday and Sunday.

4. The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff Hardy)

While many of the names listed here have retired from in-ring competition, The Hardy Boyz are still going strong.

Widely regarded as one of the top tag teams of all time and of the present, Matt and Jeff Hardy are still in-ring competitors for TNA Wrestling.

After their return appearances for WWE NXT in 2025, it feels like the right time for The Hardys to make their comeback to the main roster.

On ‘The Grandest Stage of Them All,’ The Hardys could come out as a special surprise and potentially step in the ring like their shocking return back in 2017 at WrestleMania 33.

3. Paige

For over a year, fans have been speculating if Saraya might be making a return to WWE after leaving All Elite Wrestling in 2025.

Making it no secret that she was open to a WWE return, Saraya could be ready to become Paige once again.

The former WWE Divas Champion has been training for a potential return to WWE at some time in the future.

WrestleMania 42 feels like the perfect setting for Paige to make her triumphant comeback to the place she first made her name worldwide.

2. Shane McMahon

Fans haven’t seen Shane McMahon in a WWE ring since the WrestleMania 39 premium live event.

With it being three years since his last appearance, it might be time to open the door for “Shane O’ Mac” to make his return.

Considering his sister Stephanie McMahon is set to be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame 2026, it would be ideal for Shane to make his return during WrestleMania 42 weekend.

Whether it be to induct his sister or making a surprise appearance during the two-night event, Shane would elicit an enormous pop from the fans inside of Allegiant Stadium at “The Showcase of the Immortals.”

1. The Rock

Over the past few years, The Rock has become an important figure during the road to WrestleMania.

While he became “The Final Boss” in 2024 and helped to open the door for John Cena’s heel turn in 2025, this year’s road to Mania has been without the presence of The Rock to this point.

This might make it possible for “The Great One” to shock the world by showing up to “The Show of Shows” unannounced.

The Rock appearing during the Undisputed WWE Championship match between Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton would create an unforgettable moment as he could continue his feud with “The American Nightmare” in Las Vegas this year.