The lineup for WrestleMania is finally taking shape following Elimination Chamber. With Rhea Ripley and Randy Orton winning their respective Chamber matches on Saturday, five marquee bouts are currently set for WWE’s two-night event.
- World Heavyweight Championship: CM Punk (c) vs. Roman Reigns
- Women’s World Championship: Stephanie Vaquer (c) vs. Liv Morgan
- Undisputed WWE Championship: Drew McIntyre (c) vs. Randy Orton
- WWE Women’s Championship: Jade Cargill (c) vs. Rhea Ripley
- Open Challenge: Brock Lesnar vs. TBD
Orton earned his Mania spot by defeating Cody Rhodes in the men’s Chamber match, though McIntyre’s interference clouded the finish. SmackDown GM Nick Aldis has ordered McIntyre to defend his title this Friday on SmackDown against Rhodes, with the winner likely facing
Orton at WrestleMania.
Orton didn’t respond to Aldis’ decision but said he’s focusing on the current champion, McIntyre, who cost him a match recently against Aleister Black.
“Right now, my sights are set on Drew McIntyre,” said Orton on the Elimination Chamber post-show.
While the Undisputed title remains up for grabs, SmackDown’s top women’s championship appears set. Ripley won the women’s Chamber match, earning a shot at champion Cargill, who responded on social media: “I guess she’ll do…”
Ripley shot back using Cargill’s catchphrase: “Guess… I’m that bitch.”
Mania Picture Comes into Focus
Fans were critical of WWE following the Royal Rumble, as only one match, Reigns vs. Punk, had been announced for WrestleMania. Reigns declared his intentions to challenge Punk two nights after winning his second Rumble match.
In contrast, women’s Rumble winner Liv Morgan spent weeks taunting Cargill and Women’s World Champion Stephanie Vaquer before making her move last week on Raw by smashing Vaquer in the head with a microphone.
On the same show, Paul Heyman issued an open challenge to anyone in WWE to face Brock Lesnar, the former WWE and UFC Heavyweight Champion, at WrestleMania.
When and Where to Watch
WrestleMania returns to Las Vegas on April 18 and 19, and streams on the ESPN app. This year, the first hour of Saturday’s show will also air on ESPN2 and Sunday’s first hour on ESPN. Internationally, WrestleMania streams on Netflix.
