WrestleMania 42 streaming marks a major shift for WWE’s flagship event, moving from Peacock to ESPN App in the United States while Netflix handles international distribution. The two-night extravaganza takes place April 18-19, 2026, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with both nights kicking off at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.
Key Takeaways
- WrestleMania 42 streams on ESPN App (US) and Netflix (international) for the first time under WWE’s new broadcast deals.
- Night 1 airs Saturday, April 18; Night 2 Sunday, April 19, both starting 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.
- Cody Rhodes defends the WWE Championship against Randy Orton; Brock Lesnar faces Oba Femi in a headline matchup.
- First hour of each night simulcasts on ESPN2 (Night 1) and ESPN (Night 2) for cable subscribers.
- Pre-show begins 3 p.m. ET both nights; WWE Kickoff event streams Friday on ESPN App.
WrestleMania 42 streaming in the US: ESPN App is your primary option
In the United States, ESPN Unlimited via the ESPN App is the exclusive streaming home for WrestleMania 42. The first hour of Night 1 simulcasts on ESPN2, and the first hour of Night 2 airs on ESPN for cable subscribers, but the full event requires ESPN Unlimited access. This represents a fundamental shift from WWE’s previous arrangement with Peacock, signaling deeper integration with Disney’s sports ecosystem.
If you already subscribe to Fubo and have ESPN channels bundled into your package, you can access the ESPN App through your Fubo login to stream the event. The pre-show begins at 3 p.m. ET both nights, giving you an hour of build-up before the main card starts at 6 p.m. ET. The WWE Kickoff event, featuring undercard matches, streams Friday night on the ESPN App as well.
Disney+ with Hulu and ESPN Unlimited bundles also work as an alternative for US viewers seeking comprehensive access. ESPN Unlimited does not charge a standalone fee for existing ESPN+ subscribers—it integrates into your current ESPN+ account, though specific bundle pricing varies by plan.
International viewers: Netflix becomes the global WrestleMania 42 streaming destination
Outside the United States, Netflix is now the exclusive home for WrestleMania 42 streaming. This aligns with WWE’s broader content strategy, which has shifted Raw to Netflix and consolidated premium live events across the Disney and Netflix ecosystems. International fans no longer need multiple subscriptions to catch the Cody Rhodes vs. Randy Orton title match or the Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi showdown—a single Netflix account covers both nights.
The Netflix rollout extends beyond WrestleMania 42. WWE Raw now streams exclusively on Netflix globally, while SmackDown airs on USA Network and NXT broadcasts on CW. This fragmentation reflects WWE’s exit from Peacock exclusivity and its embrace of traditional broadcast partners alongside streaming platforms.
Match card highlights and what to expect
Night 1 (Saturday, April 18) features WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending his title against Randy Orton in a match that could steal the show. The card also includes LA Knight, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso taking on World Tag Team Champions Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and IShowSpeed in a three-on-three encounter. Drew McIntyre squares off against Jacob Fatu in an Unsanctioned Match, promising physicality without referee constraints.
The Brock Lesnar vs. Oba Femi matchup stands out as a heavyweight collision that could define the weekend. Lesnar’s return to WrestleMania always carries intrigue, while Femi represents the next generation of powerhouse wrestlers. Women’s tag team action features Nia Jax and Lash Legend defending their titles, though the full opponent card remains under wraps.
WrestleMania’s two-night format, now standard since 2020, allows WWE to spread marquee matches across both Saturday and Sunday, maximizing viewership and giving every segment breathing room. This structure differs sharply from single-night WrestleManias of the past, where the card ran four or more hours in one sitting.
Pre-show schedule and when to tune in
Both nights’ pre-shows begin at 3 p.m. ET on the ESPN App, giving fans an hour of interviews, undercard matches, and analysis before the 6 p.m. ET main card start. The WWE Kickoff event, a separate production featuring additional matches, streams Friday night on ESPN App. Starting early ensures you do not miss surprise appearances or championship opportunities that often kick off WrestleMania weekends.
Frequently asked questions
Can I watch WrestleMania 42 for free?
No. In the US, you need ESPN Unlimited access through the ESPN App, though the first hour of each night simulcasts on cable ESPN2 (Night 1) and ESPN (Night 2) if you have a cable subscription. Internationally, Netflix requires an active subscription. Fubo subscribers with ESPN channels included can stream via the ESPN App login.
What time does WrestleMania 42 start?
The main card starts at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT both nights. The pre-show begins one hour earlier at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT. Friday’s WWE Kickoff event time is available on the ESPN App schedule.
Is WrestleMania 42 streaming available outside the US and Netflix countries?
Netflix handles international distribution globally, but availability may vary by region due to licensing agreements. Check your local Netflix app for WrestleMania 42 in your country. If unavailable in your region, contact Netflix support for clarification on your market’s coverage.
WrestleMania 42 represents WWE’s boldest streaming realignment in years. Moving away from Peacock exclusivity and splitting distribution between ESPN App and Netflix signals the company’s confidence in traditional sports broadcasting partnerships while maintaining global reach. Whether you are catching Cody Rhodes’ title defense, Brock Lesnar’s heavyweight showdown, or any of the undercard action, the infrastructure is in place—you just need the right subscription. Plan ahead, set your reminders for 3 p.m. ET on April 18, and do not miss the biggest wrestling weekend of 2026.
This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.
Source: TechRadar
